Argentina — Rosario
In one of the impoverished neighborhoods of Rosario, a five-year-old boy named Lionel Andrés Messi lived.
For Leo, football wasn't just a simple game;
It was his love, his breath, and the essence of life.
In the heart of a dusty alley, Leo played with his worn-out ball;
With uncanny skill, he juggled it and dribbled like a tiny prodigy, leaving everyone around in awe.
Suddenly, an angry voice echoed from the corner of the alley:
> "Hey, kid! Didn't I tell you not to play here? Just wait—I'm gonna smash you!"
Leo picked up his ball and walked away with a soft smile.
---
Half an hour later
Leo returned home, took off his shoes, and sat on the floor.
His kind grandmother, Celia Oliveira, came out of the kitchen and gently smiled:
> "My dear Leo! You're back? Playing football again?"
Leo, cheerfully, replied:
> "Yeah, grandma… I was playing, but an old man came out of his house and almost caught me! Hahaha!"
Celia chuckled and said:
> "Ah, you mean Mr. Jeff? Don't bother that old man—he's getting on in years."
Leo answered:
> "I didn't bother him. I was just playing."
Celia laughed again and said:
> "I know, dear… He's just a bit grumpy. Thinks everything he sees is a reason to argue. Haha!"
They both laughed together.
---
After a short while,
Celia looked at him with concern and asked:
> "By the way Leo, why don't you play with your friends? You're always playing alone… Is it because no one can match you?"
Leo's expression suddenly changed;
He looked down, eyes fixed on the floor.
He didn't answer.
He stood up and said:
> "I'm gonna go wash my hands…"
Celia looked at him, worried. She could feel how lonely her little boy was.
---
Just then,
Matías, Leo's older brother who had been sitting on the couch reading a book, stood up and quietly approached Celia:
> "Grandma… I didn't want to upset you, but… the kids around here won't play with Leo. They say he's too small, clumsy, and could get hurt."
Celia's eyes filled slightly with tears, but she spoke with firm resolve:
> "Leo! Put your shoes back on—we're going out, sweetheart."
---
Leo, a bit surprised, asked:
> "Wait… where are we going?"
Celia smiled and replied:
> "Come with me, dear. You'll see."
---
They walked together and arrived at a football field;
Two teams were playing a match.
They sat on a bench and watched the game.
It was almost the second half when the coach's voice rang out:
> "What? That kid didn't show up? Damn it! We're going to fall behind like this!"
Celia seized the moment. With a loud, firm voice, she said:
> "You're short a player? Let my boy play!"
---
Leo heard those words and was stunned.
---
End of Chapter 1