Even death couldn’t take him until he made Messi win

"I'm not a supporter of Messi, you know?", I did not expect these words from him, a die-hard Messi fan.

Before I could give any reaction, he clarified, "I am a supporter of the magic Messi shows on the football ground. I am a supporter of the struggle he did to rise in football. And I am also a supporter of the simplicity in his social life as well as in the football ground."

He really was a great admirer of Messi. So, he became a supporter of Argentina and made Barcelona his favorite club. With the tides of time, he also became a supporter of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) following Messi. He did not really care about PSG before Messi joined the club.

However, he was very knowledgeable about all the five famous professional leagues of Europe. I, being a sports journalist knew something about these things. He, however, knew the names of almost all the players, their birthplaces, family status, their style of play and achievements, the remuneration they received and club transfers, of all five leagues.

And, Messi was his all-time favorite. He was just fascinated by Messi. He rarely missed any games played by Messi after he started watching football, I guess, be that a game played from the side of the national team or by wearing the jersey of Barcelona or PSG. Not only that, but he had also finished watching Messi’s games on Youtube before he started watching football or had any knowledge of it.

That was why, he knew not only the facts related to Messi like the 6 European Golden Balls record and 7 Ballon d'Or, 10 times La Liga Champions, four times European Champions League, etc. but also that he started playing football at the local Newell's Old Boys since age 6 with his grandmother’s inspirations, joined Europe's prestigious club Barcelona at the age of 13 despite physical problems, helped Argentina win the Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and bring in the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

I was his opposite, a supporter of another player of the Messi era, Christiano Ronaldo. So, my favorite teams were Portugal, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. Being supporters of rival players and clubs like this, we have watched many matches of La Liga, Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup (before the Qatar World Cup) sitting together. I used to tease him when Barcelona or Argentina was defeated. But he never teased when Real Madrid or Portugal lost.

One time when Barcelona lost to Real Madrid, I teased him too much. But he didn’t get angry. Instead, he, who was just a teenager, reminded me by questioning “Isn't it natural to lose and win in the game? If Barcelona always wins, what's fun in watching the game?”

His answer was unexpected, as supporters can not even tolerate praise of the opposing teams in the sports world in general. They immediately start debates or even quarrels when faced with the supporters of an opposing team. I was shocked to hear the mature answer of a young boy who didn’t even have mustache lines above his lips. But even after that, I didn’t stop teasing, as I loved teasing him.

Sometimes I entered his room and I used to see things scattered everywhere. But there would be pictures of Messi or Barcelona on his T-shirts, Barcelona on his wrist-watch, Argentina-keyring, Logo of Argentina and Barcelona even on his cushion covers, footballs with the Barcelona logo, Barcelona logo also in the table clock, and Messi’s posters filling the walls of his room.

 
His obsession with Messi used to make me perplexed. It was too astonishing to see someone to be infatuated with a player to this extent of craziness. He, who was infatuated with 'Messi Magic' to this extreme point of insanity, was none other than my only son, Rojit Raut.

Born in the dawn of the Messi era, he, Rojit even made death wait for a few days before the Messi era ended but took Messi to the pinnacle of success or made Messi win the only title remaining, the World Cup title. And then he rested. 

Generally, journalists are not allowed to write their stories. But because of Rojit's passion for football and his profound faith and trust in the all-time great footballer Messi, I have dared to write about 'an unbelievable incident' that happened towards the last day of his life. Otherwise, which father would want to write his own son's obituary? Writing such an article means moistening your eyes with tears once again, which have already been dried out!

ooooo

I have seen tears from Rojit’s eyes four times during Messi’s success/failure. Let’s start with the fourth tears.

In June of 2021, the 47th edition of Copa America was organized in Brazil. He was not sure on Argentina winning the Copa America but was only hopeful. It was already fixed to hold the 47th edition jointly in Argentina and Colombia in 2020. But due to the outbreak of the Corona Pandemic all over the world, the competition was postponed.

The competition was relocated to Brazil after the Corona Pandemic started to subside a little. He was really sad due to the news that the competition was relocated to Brazil from Argentina. Rojit felt that fate had once again betrayed Messi. He was sad that in the edition of Copa America, Argentina could not play on their home ground. He must have felt that Argentina lost a good chance to win the competition amidst their supporters in their home ground.

His faith had diminished due to the successive defeats of Messi-led Argentina in major competitions. Again, Copa America is such a competition, which even the world football greats Pele from Brazil and Maradona from Argentina could not win. Therefore, this time too, he did not believe that Messi's Argentina would win the title, but obviously, he had a small hope by being a supporter.

Contrary to the irony of history and his belief, Argentina won the Copa America title defeating the home team Brazil, who was also the previous winner, by 1-0 goals in the finals in Brazil. Messi won the continental cup for the first time from the senior team.

The Copa America’s matches were played in the mornings according to Nepali time. I watched the final with Rojit. Angel de Maria scored a beautiful goal in the 22nd minute. But Rojit was watching the match in fear that Brazil might retaliate at any time.

How impatient a supporter can be, I was experiencing by closely looking at him. As the game continued, I saw clearly in his eyes the restlessness and the fear that the opponent might strike back.

Whether Argentina won the game, or Brazil, it didn’t really mean much to me. That was why I was enjoying his restlessness more than the match. Toward the end of the match, he entered and exited the room about four or five times, and his face was all red till the time the referee blew the last whistle signaling the end of the match.

Finally, the referee blew a long whistle, and the match ended. The goal scored by Angel de Maria became the decisive goal. And he himself witnessed Argentina win a major title for the first time under the leadership of his beloved player Messi.

He took a long breath and looked at me. There were tears in his eyes.

“You shed tears even in victory, boy!” I teased him. He couldn’t utter a word.

After a while, he said, “I hadn’t even imagined this win. If I had said that Argentina would win, from the start, maybe this time as well they would lose.”

It was the 15th Copa America title Argentina had won overall, but it was the first big title Argentina won after he had started watching football. On top of that, defeating Brazil on their home ground! He had taken it as an even greater achievement. 

In the 47th edition of the Copa America, the top scorers were Messi and Colombian Luis Diaz with 4 goals each. Messi also became the best player in the competition. That was why this edition of Copa America was special to him in various aspects, as well as unforgettable.

I remember him shedding tears when we were watching football together three times before. The colors of the tears that fell from Rojit’s eyes all four times were the same, but the expression and the context were different. This time, his eyes were teary due to joy, at the unexpected victory. However, earlier three times, the tears were of pain.

The first context was the World Cup in 2014. Coincidentally, the World Cup was also held in Brazil. He was confident that Argentina would win the World Cup at that time. In the World Cup, Argentina was in the group ‘F’ together with Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Argentina reached the knockout stage after winning the group stage, where Messi scored goals in all three matches. Argentina reached the quarterfinals defeating Switzerland in the Pre-quarterfinals and the semi-finals defeating Belgium in the quarterfinals.

He was getting more enthusiastic with each win, as he was sure of Argentina’s victory. Then, after defeating the Netherlands in the semifinals in the penalty shootout, Argentina reached the finals. Argentina’s opponent in the finals was strong Germany. The final was very competitive.

Even till the last moments of the match, he was sure that Argentina would win even after Higuain wasted Messi’s beautiful pass. But during the end of injury time of the second half, Germany’s Mario Gotze scored a goal. Gotze’s goal wasn’t just a goal, but a bullet to knock the Argentinian team and the Argentinian fans all over the world down all at once. That was the reason Rojit suddenly became speechless who was full of enthusiasm just moments ago. He who was shouting thrilled in the last moments of the game put his hands on his head and fell down on the sofa at once. Tears flowed down from his eyes. I however said teasing him- Crybaby!

Messi came third in the top scorers' list in the World Cup with 4 goals. But as the best player in the competition, the Golden Ball was his. Germany’s Thomas Muller and Netherlands’ Arjen Robben received the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball respectively. 

The Golden Ball that Messi received brought a glow to neither Messi’s nor Rojit’s face. He looked sad in the following days. He felt, maybe the World Cup title just isn’t in Messi’s destiny.

The second and third times, Chile was the reason for his tears. In 2015 and 2016 as well, Argentina reached the Copa America finals and lost both times to the same opponent, Chile.

The winner of Copa America 2015 was determined by a penalty shootout after the game time ended with a goalless draw. Chile won 4-1 after Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega missed the penalty. Argentinian team’s players, putting their hands on their foreheads all sat down on the football ground. While Rojit’s eyes were also filled with tears.

The Copa America final of the year 2016 was also like a repetition of the year before. The same teams reached the final - Argentina and Chile. Just like in 2015, the match ended with a goalless draw, followed by a penalty shootout. The only difference this year was that Messi and Lucas Biglia missed their shots instead of Higuain and Banega. Once again Chile won the title with a score of 4-2.

This final was excruciating to both Messi and his fans. The first reason, Argentina was defeated even after reaching the finals continuously, and the second, Messi himself missed the penalty at the crucial moment. Young Rojit cried endlessly at that time as well. But, I didn’t spare him from being teased.

Bearing the ‘hattrick of defeat’ by reaching the final three times, he had started calling the Argentinian team ‘unlucky’. But after the Copa America final in 2021, where he got a chance to shed tears of joy, his confidence skyrocketed. He was now sure that the Messi-led Argentina would win the World Cup to be held the following year to the extent of superstition.

ooooo

It was almost a year since Rojit had gone to America. And the start of the Qatar World Cup was also nearing. After completing the SLC (School Leaving Certificate) examinations from Occidental Public School located at Anamnagar, and class 12 from Chelsea International Academy at New Baneshwar, one day he left for the United States to pursue higher education. I used to talk to him in Messenger from time to time. He talked about family matters with his mother (Jyoti) and his little sister (Rosika), but most of his conversations with me were sports related. His interests were mostly focused on Argentina and Messi.

He was also upset that we would not be able to watch the World Cup together this time, and so was I. Because we were unable to watch a big tournament like the World Cup together, after a long time.

In our conversations on Messenger, he used to claim that Argentina would win this World Cup anyhow. He was confident in the coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi, and the Argentinian players who helped Argentina win the Copa America. But I used to argue that Argentina won’t win the World Cup this time as well. I used to say teasing him, “Argentina winning the World Cup? No chance!”

Finally, the World Cup began in Qatar on November 20. Argentina lost its first game to Saudi Arabia on November 22 with a score of 2-1. I had hoped for his call. I wanted to tease him. But he didn’t call. I rang him but it was unanswered. I thought, maybe he is busy in College.

Then, in Argentina's second game on November 26, Argentina beat Mexico with a score of 2-0. I was sure that he would call me but he didn’t. A lot of things started playing in my mind.

Then, with the third game held on November 30, Argentina reached the knockout stage defeating Poland 2-0. Argentina had reached the knockout stage from Group ‘C’. Messi scored goals in the first and second matches, but not in the third match.

I got a call in Messenger the day Argentina reached Pre-Quarterfinal. I smiled when I saw his name on the phone. Rojit looked very happy.

Before I could ask anything, he said, “When Argentina lost in the first game I felt fear within. Messi always becomes unlucky when playing for the National team, you know? Messi’s bad luck has passed now. Now Argentina will win the World Cup for sure.”

His words made me laugh inside. But I don’t know how, I, who never liked Argentina's games, said to him, "Good luck, son, may Argentina win this World Cup!"

Maybe he didn’t expect such an answer from me, as I had never talked positively about Messi or Argentina with him before.

In the Pre-Quarterfinal match that happened on the 3rd of December, Argentina reached the Quarterfinal by defeating Australia 2-1. I was waiting for his call on Messenger and wanted to see his blissful face. But he didn’t call. I made a video call on Messenger, but he didn’t receive it. There weren’t any conversations between us for the next 4 or 5 days. He wasn’t active on Messenger as well.

Then came the black day.

On December 7, 2022, at around 3 pm, Rojit’s sister came to me huffing and puffing. There was a mobile phone in her hand and it seemed someone was talking on the other end. She gave me the phone saying, “They say that brother is in critical condition, Dad!”

With just one sentence from my daughter, I was shocked. I couldn’t utter a word and my vision became blurry.

Still, I took the phone from her and talked to the person on the other end. Rojit’s college friend had called from America. She informed me that his health state was critical and that the college administration had taken him to the hospital. She herself was in a panic.

My vision was completely dark till the call ended and I became so puzzled that I couldn’t even think straight. I had no strength left to even think about what to do. Now we had no other option left than to wait for the next news from America.

A 20-year-old young boy who dreamed of making Argentina win the World Cup just until a few days ago was now on the brink of death in a hospital bed.

I got the information that he was taken by air ambulance to the "Idaho Falls Regional Medical Center" in another city, Idaho Falls, as treatment was not possible at the local hospital. All the well-wishers who knew about him used to give assurance that he would recover soon as every disease can be cured in America.

However, my desire to watch the World Cup had died due to my son suddenly being in such a condition.

In the Quarterfinal held on December 9, Argentina defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout with a score of 4-3. Suddenly, I got a call on my Messenger on December 12. I picked up the call with my hands shaking. From the other end, he spoke slowly, “Argentina has reached the semi-finals you know, now they will win the Cup for sure! Now the shade of misfortune from Messi’s forehead will also be removed.” Even though his voice was very soft now, he seemed very happy.

I wanted to see his face. I requested him to open the video. But he who was laying on the hospital bed, did not agree to my request.

After I didn’t stop persuading him he said this much, “Look, I won’t die before making Messi’s Argentina win!”

His answer was heart-wrenching. Tears rolled relentlessly. I couldn’t find the courage to say anything.

I later knew that just one day before, his uncle or my brother Rajesh who was living in America, was told by the doctors that there was now no hope. Rajesh told me that the doctors had said that they were shocked at how he was still living.

The doctors had also told my brother to let Rojit eat and do whatever he wanted. That my brother had told me.

I now wanted to go to America anyhow, to meet him, my dearest son. 

On the other hand, Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 on December 13 and reached the final. I don’t think he knew about the game as he was unconscious following the operation.

The next day after Argentina reached the final, my brother called me. He was crying and also trying to hide his tears. He said all teary, “I never supported Argentina. But now, me, my wife, and my children, all want Argentina to win this World Cup. We have prayed with God for this.”

He couldn’t say anything more.

I too had already started praying that Argentina win this World Cup no matter what. I knew the reason why the doctors were surprised, as Rojit was still surviving against their prediction. It was his desire to make Argentina win the World Cup. He had already said to me loud and clear, that he wouldn’t die before making Argentina win the World Cup.

Perhaps, the thing that was helping Rojit survive for these many days, was Rojit’s strong will to see Argentina win the World Cup under Messi’s leadership. He was already taken out of the ventilator before the final and had also regained consciousness against the doctors’ prediction.

And finally, Argentina beat France on the 18th of December in the penalty shootout with a score of 4-2 goals and won the World Cup. It was the third World Cup title for Argentina after the 1978 and 1986 wins, but first won by Messi and his team.

Soon after this, Rojit wrote on Facebook, “Finally, Argentina won the World Cup. Messi wasn’t unlucky after all. Our dream has been fulfilled.”

His ideal and dear player Messi also got the Silver Boot along with the Golden Ball. Messi scored in all games except one in the group stage. Messi also became second in the list of top scorers of the World Cup 2022. Kylian Mbappe of France scored 8 goals and Messi 7.

I was preparing the documents to go to America to meet Rojit. I wanted to talk with him and let my heart out. I wanted to stroke his hair and exchange the joy of his favorite player Messi winning the World Cup sitting next to him. The doctors had even told him that at any moment he may breathe his last on the hospital bed.

What a fate! How painful every moment must be for Rojit! How he must feel living, knowing that he could die any moment! Even remembering it pierces my heart with excruciating pain.

I, however, was eager to reach there as fast as possible and capture the small smile of happiness on his face as he remembered the moment his beloved player lifted the World Cup even amid the pain knowing that he would die at any moment.

After all the documents were ready, I set out to meet him. From Kathmandu, I had to reach the hospital at Idaho Falls where he was kept. Moving from Kathmandu to Doha in Qatar, to San Fransisco in America, and then to Salt Lake City before I could reach Idaho Falls, it was a three-day journey. All through the journey, it was only his face that kept dancing in my mind.

I wanted just that much, that nothing will happen to Rojit until I reached there. For that, I prayed to all the Gods I remembered, for the first time in my life and asked for his safety even if for just a little while.

Fighting with my uncontrolled emotions, I finally reached the hospital room where he was kept, but how I don’t know. Remembering that now, I feel it was like a dream and it horrifies me even now.

I took a peek through the window in the room where he was kept. I felt shivers all over my body. He was given oxygen and he was nothing but skin and bones. I couldn’t find the courage to even go inside to meet him. My brother took me by the hand and took me to Rojit.

He slowly opened his eyes and gave me a smile.

Perhaps, he was teasing me for the first time, “Did you see? After all my dear Messi and his Argentina won in the end, right?”

Even if he was in such a state physically, he looked very enthusiastic mentally, to be able to exchange his happiness with me. I also became emotional at once, and stroking his hair, I said, “Son! Now I am also a supporter of Messi all my life. A die-hard fan like you!”

Our efforts to save him were all in vain. Even the doctors and technology of a prosperous country like America were unable to save Rojit. One afternoon he left us forever. In front of my eyes, holding my hand tightly, he breathed his last.

I feel that Messi and Argentina’s presence and success were the factors that helped strengthen Rojit’s immunity and fight against the disease. He wanted to see Argentina lift the World Cup trophy at all costs. As a result, he didn’t lose faith till the moment Argentina under Messi’s leadership won the World Cup. He struggled to survive even in extreme conditions to the extent that he even made death wait for a few days to see his beloved player lift the World Cup trophy.

Thank you all-time great footballer Messi! Because of you, a father got a chance to spend even if just a little time with his son who was already given up on by even the doctors.

Even now, when I sit to write down any news about Messi, his image appears vividly in my mind. Hands start shaking without any reason. Eyes become blurry. And in those blurry eyes, it feels like I am seeing the image of Rojit in Messi’s face.

ooooo

Dear son Rojit, it has been four months today (May 29) since you left us physically. But I feel that you are with us in an invisible form. In the flowers you planted in the vessels on our terrace, in the stars you used to watch from our roof in the night, in the speeding winds blowing from the west, and in the dim lights of the airplanes that come from the south heading towards Kathmandu Airport, I feel you are there with us.

And then, while watching the live broadcasts of European football leagues, I feel that you are also watching sitting beside me. Even though you have left us physically, your beloved player Messi has led PSG to win the French league title. Last Saturday night, he scored against Strasbourg. This goal was special even if it was a left-footed goal like most of his goals. With this goal, Messi made a record with PSG winning for the 11th time in the French League and also broke the joint record in his and Christiano Ronaldo’s name for the top scorers in the five top European Leagues. Surpassing Ronaldo’s record, Messi made a record of 496 goals.

Not only this! Your beloved player Messi has now won a total of 43 titles throughout his playing history. He has tied the record of the former Barcelona player Dani Alves and it is sure that he will break Dani  Alves’ record very soon.

You had become sad since the days when there were talks spreading that Messi would leave Barcelona. You wanted Messi to remain in Barcelona anyhow. I reminded you a lot that “A capable player should not stay in the same club, and should be able to show his worth from other clubs as well.”

But you never agreed with my beliefs. You felt that Barcelona and Messi are inseparable. You said, “Two years before I was born, Messi had already become Barcelona’s Youth team member. He is connected to Barcelona in an inseparable way. Messi should play the last game of his professional sports life from Barcelona.”

Even though Messi left Barcelona for PSG, you were hopeful that one day he would return to Barcelona. Yes, now the chances have increased again that Messi will return to Barcelona, as Barcelona has said that it is ready to pay any price for Messi. Maybe, Messi will return to Barcelona again and play the last game of his life from Barcelona, just as you had wished.

Farewell son! We could not save you. But in the face of Messi, we will see you forever and ever.

[Translated from: काललाई समेत कुराएर ऊ मेस्सीलाई विश्वकप जिताएरै गयो | News from Nepal - Ratopati ]

(Translated by Sachet Basnet)