RIP Jim Irsay: Even Legends Need a Good Left Foot in the Afterlife

The News? Not the Kind I Like to Score With

Alright folks it's your friendly neighborhood Messi here not exactly known for commenting on American football but news travels fast even when you're busy bending free kicks into the net. I heard about Jim Irsay the Colts owner passing away. Sad news truly. Makes you think doesn't it? About life the beautiful game and whether or not you've practiced your penalty kicks enough. He was 65. Too young just like my hairline is starting to recede! I always say you gotta keep moving keep striving. Just like I do on the pitch Jim did in the boardroom. Even though frankly I only understand about 10% of what happens in a boardroom.

From Laughingstock to Touchdown Titans: Irsay's Magic

They say Irsay with the help of some serious Hall of Famers like Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy turned the Colts around. From zero to hero right? Reminds me a bit of my early days with Argentina...okay maybe not *exactly* the same but you get the idea. He had the vision the passion. He built a team that could compete and that's something I respect. It's like when I see a defender trying to mark me – I respect the effort even if I know I'm about to leave him in the dust! You need a team to win be it on the pitch or off. He built a great team! And if he were around I would invite him to come watch Inter Miami play.

Health Battles and Rock 'n' Roll Dreams: The Other Side of the Coin

Look nobody's perfect. Not even me! Okay maybe *almost* me on the field but still. Irsay had his struggles. Health problems addictions...it's tough. Makes you realize that even with all the money and fame in the world life can throw you a curveball faster than a Sergio Ramos tackle. He loved his guitars and rock n' roll. I know for a fact that music can heal and inspire. I find inspiration when I watch videos of myself on youtube. You can say it is narcissism but I call it self motivation.

Family First: The Real Championship

The most important thing though is family. He had daughters Carlie Casey and Kalen. My heart goes out to them. At the end of the day that's what matters. Winning trophies is great don't get me wrong but coming home to my family seeing my kids smile...that's the real championship. That's something no defender can ever take away from you. Like the famous quote goes “There's nothing more satisfying than seeing your children have dinner.” I always try to spend time with my kids and my wife. I am blessed to have them.

A Ball Boy's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to the Owner's Box

From ball boy to owner? That's a story! Shows you what's possible. You start small you work hard you dream big. It's like when I was a kid kicking a ball around in Rosario dreaming of playing for Barcelona. Now I am playing for Inter Miami. It's like I always say “I start early and I stay late day after day year after year it took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.” Irsay did that. I can relate. Now I just need to figure out how to own Inter Miami. Maybe David Beckham will give me a discount you know a 'legend to legend' kind of thing.

So Long Jim: Thanks for the Game

So yeah. Rest in peace Jim Irsay. You left your mark. You built something special. You reminded us that even in the world of football there's more to life than just winning. Although winning is still pretty great. I would like to end by saying: “The day you think there is no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.” Keep on improving wherever you are Jim! And I'll keep doing my best to make those defenders look silly down here. Cheers!