COMEBACK

We all face adversity in life. During those moments, it is easy to give in to despair and to give up hope. On Tuesday, Nicholas and I witnessed Argentina's improbable come from behind win against Egypt after being down 2-0 in the 78th minute. The game was a reminder that the only way through hardship is through our own belief.

My own life has been filled with challenges - professional and personal. I have persevered and not let setbacks bring me down or cause me to give up on what I value most. That resolve has been tested these past 12 months in a particularly difficult year.  Indeed, there have been many days when it felt like the life I had built was no longer tenable. Something kept me going though, and somehow I have continued to try to move forward. Giving up always felt like a fait accompli and something I just could not countenance.

Last Tuesday, Argentina's predicament seemed particularly grave. They had not played good football and were lucky to only be down by two goals. However, despite being 12 minutes away from World Cup elimination, the crowd made up of 90% Argentina fans never wavered. They urged the team on, singing in full voice. It was a magical atmosphere, one in which the impossible still seemed possible. The players must have felt this deep inside of themselves, too, but it is hard to underestimate the power of their vocal supporters. 

Messi delivered a beautiful ball in for a headed goal by Cristian Romero in the 79th minute. I grabbed Nicholas in my arms, and we both jumped for joy. Four minutes later, Messi latched onto a ball in the box and lashed it into the top of the goal to tie things up. We went wild again. 

The crowd urged the team on, and the Albiceleste grew in confidence. The chorus from the crowd felt like having a twelfth man on the field, and Argentina continued to press forward. 

In the third minute of stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez headed home what would be the game winner! We went wild, high-fiving and embracing each other and the friendly strangers in blue and white all around us. What a comeback! What an inspiration!

That night, I was reminded just what hope and resilience mean. I was also reminded how much I have been through and how I, too, like Argentina am still standing. I used to think that optimism was the belief that everything would work out. I now know that optimism is the belief that one will be able to handle a situation no matter how fraught it is or how things work out.

Last night in Kansas City, Argentina completed another great escape in extra time against Switzerland, scoring the game winner in the 112th minute of extra time. This team reminds us that if you think you can win, you still have a chance. While failure is an option despite our efforts, not trying should certainly not be!