We grew up watching three boys: Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar. Whether you are or were a football fan or not, but everyone in the hood knew these names. Back in times, our discussions regarding football revolved around these three legends. Ronaldo was the most loved one. Primarily, because of his physique and confidence. Messi was the choice of the sane minds. Hehehehe! Sorry, I am a Messi's fan, so it was just natural. And then, there was this young man, with stylish play style - Neymar. He was the real deal, back in times. Both Messi and Ronaldo fans used to love him, there was no hate for him at all.
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Sitting at those school benches, talking about football all day long. The hype around the El-classico matches was so real. Matches used to be at 12-1 AM, and we all used to watch it together. Then, next day, we all were ANALYSTS, everyond giving their opinions. Then came the boy, who used to listen to other analysts, used technical language, and everyone used to consider him the informant.
Though, the time has passed. Situations have changed, but the love remains. As soon as we entered University life, everything changed. The passion was there, but life had some other plans. We stopped meeting because everyone was busy with their own lives.
However, this world cup brought us all back together. Of course virtually. We all are now job holders. But thanks to the modern technology, we all can be analysts once again. The thinking process might have changed, but the love for footballl especially for the legends remain still as fresh as those days.
Maybe that is what growing up really means. Not that we stop loving the things that once made us happy, but that life slowly gives us less time to enjoy them the way we used to. We can nevevr be teenagers now. Because time moves forward, but some emotions simply refuse to age.
People often say football is just a game. Maybe it is. But for many of us, it was never only about ninety minutes on the pitch. It was about: friendships, laughter, unforgettable nights and memories.
Being a Messi's fan, It aches my heart. It feels like I had two heartbreaks in a short time. First Neymar, then Ronaldo; I just wish for Messi to wait.
Now, both Neymar and Ronaldo have retired from international football, and Messi is still carrying the torch - but not forever. The day he walks away will mark the end of a generation that defined our childhood. It will not just be the retirement of three legends; it will be the closing of a chapter that millions of us grew up with. We may find new stars to admire, but there will never be another trio quite like them. Some eras can never be repeated. They can only be remembered.
"I don't wanna say goodbye
'Cause I still love you"
Someone is cutting onions 😢.
