Immediately after Mexico scored their first goal against Germany in a group match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Gilberto Martinez wrote on his Facebook page: “Diego, I’m certain that you would be happy to see this. I’m torn between pain and happiness. How I wish you were here.”
Gilberto, a Mexican fan, has the most tragic World Cup story. He lost his wife Veronica Raschiotto and children Diego Martinez Raschiotto, and Mia Martinez Raschiotto, to a fatal car crash after having planned to go to Russia together to watch Argentina and Mexico. Mexican-born Gilberto, and Veronica, who hailed from Argentina, were fierce supporters of their respective countries.
The sight of Gilberto attending matches with his fan ID card around his neck along with the photo-ID passes of his wife and children was heart-breaking.
Gilberto, who works as a lawyer in Mexico, had planned everything and booked the tickets and accommodation for the family’s trip to Russia. But disaster struck on April 28, just weeks before the start of the World Cup, when the three went to visit Veronica’s brother Claudio in Miami.
“I stopped reading newspapers for the next few days because I didn’t want to see stories about that tragic incident. I can only comfort myself by believing that they left the world without enduring much pain and suffering.
The couple planned to travel to Russia to fulfil their long-cherished dream of watching a game between Argentina and Mexico together. It was their passion for the game that brought Gilberto and Veronica, who got married in 2004, together.
Gilberto decided to attend the World Cup on the recommendation of his psychologist and family friend, who advised him ‘to fulfill the dream of the four.’
Taking heed of the doctor’s words, he travelled to Russia in the company of two of his friends to pay tribute to his beloved family. Before he set out on his journey, messages and wishes from people from different parts of the world flooded his inboxes.
Before his team’s opening match, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa wrote on social media, referring to Diego, 'Angel helps me fly'!
On Fathers' Day, which fell on June 17, Mexico beat Germany and Ochoa was the hero of the match with some spectacular saves. After the match, he sent a message to Gilberto: “This was for Diego and your family.”
A mourning father could not have asked for more on Father's Day!
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