The winning goal day of my life: My trip to Barcelona to see my hero!

''Mes que un club'' (more than a club) reads the slogan of my favorite club. Printed in vibrant Blaugrana colors, I had always seen and heard the slogan through social media and images. I never envisioned that I would be standing in my blue and red Barça colors, among the cules, cheering for my team. It was always a dream for me. Growing up watching football, from the magical Ronaldinho's era, Pep's 2012 triumph, and the MSN glory, I have lived FC Barcelona. Their unique style of playing tiki-taka and classy players makes them the most renowned football club in world football. I never imagined this dream of mine was gonna come true soon. I still remember that magical day. That heavenly day, right after my 10th boards, when my dad told me to close my eyes. He took my hands and put down that golden ticket. I was beaming with joy on cloud 9. Not only my long yearned dream of going to Barcelona was gonna come true, but I was actually gonna be at the Camp Nou stadium watching my idol Messi play live.

The trip to Spain was fantastic. All along on my way from the moment I left Mumbai airport to landing in El Prat-Barcelona, all I could think was how the match was gonna be. Barcelona was indeed a beautiful city. Its medieval- style Catalan gothic architecture and finger-licking food were a delight. The town was full of crazy football fanatics. Anywhere I went, I could see Barça cules like me wearing their jerseys with pride. 

My dad and I interacted with several locals chatting and inquiring about the city and Spanish football. One unique thing about the Catalan people is, if you follow Barça and are crazy about football, then language is no barrier for you. The people are warm- hearted and supportive.

After touring the city for 2 days, the day had arrived. The special day I had been waiting for years. I still remember the night before the match. I was up all night thinking about the most memorable moment of my life. I wondered how it would be. The players whom I had followed growing up and had only seen on television screens were actually gonna be for real playing in front of me. Adrenaline was high in my blood that night. I barely slept for 4 hours watching old Barça game highlights and searching for the metro route to the stadium. For the first time, I actually woke up at 6am, without an alarm! My dad was surprised. He mocked at me, stating how usually during exams I stayed in bed till noon. The match was at 7.45 pm. But we needed to reach there by 5 because I needed to purchase that no.10 printed Messi shirt from the store. My excitement was on a different level. I was literally dancing in the air like Emma Stone in La-la land...

We took the metro and reached the Collblanc station. In the subway and on the streets, all I could see was excited Barca fans in their Blaugrana jerseys. We had some quick snack at a local restaurant, and people were gulping their beer cause drinks weren't allowed inside. I saw the pre-match preview on the tv screen in the restaurant. The manager of the club spoke about how this game was significant for the team. Barca was on 94 points already, and a victory in this game ensured we won the title for the 25th auspicious time. It was the deciding moment of the La Liga campaign. This game was particularly important cause if we won, it would be the first time in 5 years that we would secure the title win at home. All the players had arrived at the stadium along with their families for this unique game.

Camp Nou was as I imagined it to be-''Gigantic, marvelous, and spectacular.'' Constructed in 1957, 'Nou Camp' is the largest football stadium in the world with a staggering 99,354 people capacity. It's home to our team Barça where so many magical football nights have taken place, and footballing legends such as Cruyff and Messi have been born. I was delighted seeing the stadium.

 Thousands of fans like me from all around the world were excited too. Adjoining the stadium, was the Barça youth La Masia academy, where young players were being trained so that they could play for the first team. We quickly made our way to the megastore for me to buy a jersey. Due to matchday, fans were buzzing around all over the place. Squeezed in the crowd, I grabbed my no.10 Lionel Messi jersey and made my way to the counter. I could already hear the sound of the many cules singing chants to create an atmosphere. I wore my jersey and rushed to the entrance to capture these vivid moments in my camera. There were so many news reporters and media vans to catch the live coverage of the title-deciding game.

The time had come! I couldn't believe it if it was really happening. I was finally going to see my inspiration, my role model, and my hero-''Leo Messi.'' I once again glanced at the ticket and read it," Matchday- F.C.BARCELONA V UD LEVANTE, 7.30PM UTC.'' As I entered the stadium through the stands, I could feel the adrenaline rush in my blood. Luckily our seat was a prime one, right above the players warming bench. As I saw the pitch, I was amazed. Lush green, well-maintained grass with the Barca logo on the sides. The stage was set. Thousands of excited cules were storming in the stadium, 

and it was astonishing. The stadium announcer was making the mood with his new Catalan chants followed by the fans. I took a moment and hugged my parents tight for making this dream of mine turn into reality. I thanked my dad, and he was delighted to see my joy.

Everything was going fine until.... something tragic happened. Cause every happy story needs to have a plot twist, doesn't it? The commentator made a breaking announcement, "Since the next game is the crucial champions league knockouts clash against Liverpool, the manager has decided to rest talisman Leo Messi on the bench for rest." I was shattered in pieces. I had been waiting for this day my entire life, and he wasn't even going to come out on the pitch. I sobbed a lot and couldn't believe it. My dad consoled me, trying to convince that other players are still going to be out there playing for the team. But only I know my affection towards Messi. For some reason, I was angry at him. I wanted to ask him- why? Why me? Regardless, the other players came on the pitch and started the warm-up. Seeing Suarez, Coutinho, Busi, Stegen, I was a bit happy but my eyes for yearning to see my hero.

The referee blew the whistle, and it was kick-off. The team was in high spirit and were eager to chase the title. We dominated the first few minutes, but then the opposition team geared up. They made use of the opportunity of the missing Leo Messi and created several chances. Thankfully our reliable as a wall goal-keeper kept us going. The fans were enticing. 90,000 fans were chanting the Barca anthem and ''Allez Allez Allez! We are the mighty, invincible Barcelona'' was a delight to the ears. Some fan groups brought musical instruments and drums to keep the spirit of the players high. But, unknowingly, my eyes were stuck towards the bench, praying to God that he does some miracle, and Messi comes on the pitch as a substitute. After the end of the first half, the score was 0-0, and it was a tight margin. We definitely needed to pass the ball around and create chances. Otherwise, it would be a tough game. I was continually praying to God to bring my hero on the pitch.

After grabbing some coke and pop-corn while returning to my seat, I heard some chants, and the volume levels were high. The fans were shouting his name, and I knew God heard my prayers. I saw the no.10 shirt on the pitch, and that was it. It was probably the best sight of my life. I was taken away. I stood still for a moment, taking some time to grasp what had just happened. My dad yelled to me," Look, Aryan! There is he. Your hero is here." I once again had tears on my face, but this time it was out of immense joy. I raised the Barca flag and, along with the other fans, started shouting," MESSI!, MESSI!, MESSI!." Just 4 minutes after entering, the little maestro got a pass from Suarez in the box and strike, his 3rd touch in the game was a goal! The game which was seeming to slip away was brought back in seconds. Messi made the difference in no time. The fans went crazy, and the volume levels were so high. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. You don't get to experience a Leo Messi goal again and again in your life. Even the rival players were scared when Messi arrived. They knew he is gonna lift that trophy again.

It was 90mins, and the referee blew the whistle. "Campeones! Campeones! Campeones!" We did it yet again. History was made as Barça won its 8th successful La-Liga title in 11years. All credit to this beautiful team whose football brings joy and enlightens millions of cules around the world. The after match celebrations were insane. All the players carried their kids and wives on the pitch, and it was all joy for the team. 

There were fireworks and lights, and it was spectacular. As Leo lifted the cup, all the players danced with joy, and another successful campaign came to an end.

Going back, I was capturing the events of the most memorable day of my life. I had the opportunity to experience this lifetime event. For every passionate football fan, it is their dream to go to their favorite team's stadium and watch their heroes come alive. I am genuinely grateful to my parents for this. After all, football is such a beautiful sport, uniting millions of people from different nations to live the game. It was indeed a dream come true. 

" Win, lose or tie, F.C.Barcelona till I die. Visça del Barça! Visça del Catalunya!"

Written by,

Rtr.Aryan Mankar, 

Rotaract Club of Thane East