Messi autograph sought to pay tribute to ‘Argentina-obsessed’ grandfather

A football fan has signed Lionel Messi’s autographs and is now pinning his late grandfather in his honor by urging every World Cup-winning team to do so in his own unique way.

Gabriel Goldsack, 34, is a native of Germany, but his Argentine grandfather was a devoted supporter of his country.

In honor of his grandfather, who passed away the year before and did not see the winning team’s 2022 World Cup, Mr. Goldsack vowed to collect every team member’s signature to commemorate him on a replica trophy.

Mr. Goldsack said Martnez was intrigued by hearing the 34-year-old speak Spanish with an Argentinian accent while holding an Argentinian flag after waiting outside the club’s training ground for about four hours with other fans.

Mr. Goldsack told the BBC, “He inquired about my origin and what I was doing here.”

I explained everything, saying, “I’m here because of you, I’ve brought you a letter.”

I only spoke Spanish for a short while. The story moved him a lot.

He responded, “Wow, that’s great, keep going.”

While other Villa fans were awaiting outside the training facility, Mr. Goldsack also shared his story with them.

The 34-year-old has traveled extensively throughout Europe in search of supporters, including Lionel Scaloni, the manager of the national team.

Only four signatures are required before he completes his quest: those of Lionel Messi, the team’s most-capped player, Franco Armani, and Marcos Acuam, who are also the team’s all-time top goalscorer and most-capped player.

Mr. Goldsack, who lives in Cologne with his girlfriend, planned to arrange a trip to Argentina to collect the most signatures before moving on to Messi.

When Mr. Goldsack travels, he promises to display the trophy, a nine-month replica of an Argentinian artist, next to the remains of his grandfather, Jorge Enrique Goldsack Pastor.

Mr. Goldsack said, “But everyone called him Quito.”

He had a football obsessed mind. He might even go as far as to watch second or third division football in Bulgaria, which I adore. He played in a different league.

Mr. Goldsack specifically stated that Messi would be discussed by his grandfather.

He frequently remarked on how disappointed he was with the Argentinian team’s performance in national competitions, “He never stopped saying how he was really disappointed how God was treating Messi.”

He said, “When I die, I’m going to speak to the big boss there and try to change some things.”

Mr. Goldsack made the decision to pursue his quest in order to honor his grandfather.

He said, “I recall my mother telling me that in many cultures, people honor their loved ones with images, tales, and stories,” he said.

“I figured I’m going to get a World Cup replica signed to share your story and give you the honor of my life,” I thought.

The 34-year-old had mixed emotions about the project’s conclusion as the signatures are added to his to-do list.

He said, “It feels awesome on one hand, but it feels a little terrifying on the other.”

We’ve enjoyed doing this together, according to my girlfriend.