Growing up, I lived and breathed soccer. It's been my dependable friend since the age of four. While my parents may argue otherwise, I love to watch soccer. Of course, they initially had to sternly urge me to watch games on television, but that was before I watched Barcelona play. Their style of play was and still is mesmerizing to me. The crispness of their passes, their deft touch of the ball, the accuracy of each play -- I could go on and on. While I had never seen the game played so beautifully, there was something, or should I say someone in particular that really swayed me: Lionel Messi. I had never idolized someone before but I knew then that from that moment on, he would be my idol.

I found deep rooted inspiration watching Messi. Maybe I felt I could relate to him as a player due to our small statures, or maybe I had hoped to replicate his tenacity. Nevertheless, he became my idol. I continued to watch his games with my parents, but now it wasn't a struggle to sit through the games. I willingly watched with great vigor. After a couple of years of adoration, I promised myself that I would one day watch Messi play in real life. Even if that meant I had to travel the world to do so, I would find a way.

Nearly 10 years passed with no avail. To my surprise, I was presented with the opportunity to watch him play in the Copa America semi-final game this past Tuesday. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't contain my excitement. My heart began to race so quickly I feared that I would legitimately suffer a heart attack. There were several restless nights leading up to the game. The anticipation was unbearable. Then the magical day arrived: game day.

As I sat in the stands clad in red, white, and blue, I held an Argentina jersey in representational support for my idol. Even with my deep-seeded love for my country and hope that the U.S. team would prevail, my greatest hope was to witness the magical Messi. As expected, he did not disappoint, he surpassed any and all expectations I had. While I can't voice anything about Messi that hasn't already been said, seeing him live accentuates his capabilities and status as the best soccer player in the world. While some may argue otherwise, I undoubtedly believe that he is the best player to ever play the game.