Stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish watching the finals between Argentina and Spain, and there’s a sense of loss I can’t quite put into words. I’ve been following Argentina all the way here—perfect record in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, time after time they were on the brink of disaster, yet they still managed to flip it around at the last second. I thought they could successfully defend the title. Spain’s squad was overall young and strong in stamina; their possession-based style held the tempo firmly in check. Our back line was pulled apart again and again, and even if Messi fought on with everything he had, it was still hard for him to single-handedly turn the tide.

Actually, when I calm down and think about it, I can understand it too—football never has a forever winner. The emotions this team has brought me have long surpassed the championship itself: the grit of never giving up after falling behind time after time, the winner in the jaws of defeat—every moment is etched in my heart. Win or lose is only the outcome of a single match. There’s no need to overthink it. Messi’s legend is already bright enough. Take a moment to steady your mood, return to normal life, and after four years, we’ll keep cheering for Argentina again. #夏日创作营