Shifting Lenses

Watching the best player in the world is the ultimate dream for any soccer fan. For many Americans, that dream is now more attainable than ever with the G.O.A.T., Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami.

I had the chance to fulfill that dream years ago, when I was still in elementary school and Messi was in his prime with Barcelona. My family and I were at the iconic Camp Nou,for what I thought would be the ultimate experience. But when the game against Athletic Bilbao kicked off and he wasn’t in the starting lineup, I was heartbroken. The team was resting him, and for the first time ever, I found myself secretly rooting for Barcelona to struggle—just enough to need their star player. My wish came true, and a few minutes into the second half, he was on the pitch.

I’ve been to many sporting events in different countries, but I don’t think anything will ever compare to the energy of the crowd when Messi took the pitch. High-pitched whistles pierced my ears and the stadium vibrated with the cheers of every fan, even those rooting for Bilbao. While soccer culture in Spain is already intense, Messi’s presence was an event all its own. He even missed a penalty kick, but no one cared. Being at Camp Nou, hearing the crowd, and seeing him on the field in that Barcelona jersey was the epitome of soccer culture at the time.