The text message arrived on a sun-drenched Barcelona morning, a simple, unassuming notification that sent Mateo's heart into a frantic rhythm. "It's Leo. I'm at the old training facility. Come when you're ready."
Mateo stared at the screen, his breath catching in his throat. He had known this meeting was coming, had been anticipating it for days, but the reality of it was still overwhelming. Lionel Messi. His childhood idol. The man who had shown him a kindness he had never forgotten during his darkest days at La Masia. And now, he wanted to see him.
"What is it?" Isabella asked, noticing his sudden stillness.
Mateo showed her the phone, and her eyes widened. "Oh my god," she whispered. "Are you going to go?"
Mateo nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he typed a reply. "On my way."
