"I feel like now that I know you, I miss her more [...] I sorta feel like I did have her. Like, as a mom. That she was real, because I have you. You know, a sister."

Him crying after scoring his first goal, right when his dad’s condition got worse and rumours started to circulate. Him having to release a statement saying stop spreading lies to protect his family’s privacy.

Him holding onto the hope that the longer Argentina remained in the World Cup, the more likely his dad could travel to come watch them play in the final.

After every crazy game, him immediately waiting to hear from his dad after the match and realizing that there was a possibility his dad couldn’t make it.

Him having to play such physical games knowing that if they lose, his father won’t be able to come and watch a game live so he pushed through the pain.

Him crying after the Egypt game because (as most of the Argentine players said) he thought this would be it in the World Cup and that they’d get eliminated in the R16.

Him having to play in the final knowing his dad couldn’t make it but still wanting to win it so he could bring the trophy to him. Him sharing all of this with us because he never got to tell his dad.

Him saying that regardless of the defeat in the final, he enjoyed every match and was glad he listened to his father’s advice and played.