Cancer lad’s inspiration drives Messi
Posted Monday, April 09, 2012 by The Sun
INSPIRATION ... Lionel Messi meets Alfonso Garcia
LIONEL MESSI and Co will draw inspiration from a Barcelona fan with terminal cancer when they face Chelsea next week.
Alfonso Garcia’s story touched the hearts of millions of Spaniards last week as he recounted an unforgettable visit to the Nou Camp.
Talking on the country’s top football show Punto Pelota, the 22-year-old told how he has battled sarcoma — a lethal form of cancer — for 12 years and has suffered NINE relapses.
Two months ago, doctors gave him just hours to live.
But Alfonso defied science and a few days ago he was Barcelona’s VIP guest for the home game against Athletic Bilbao.
In an emotional interview, Alfonso gave a dressing-room insight on how Messi and other Barca stars offer their time and support to ill fans.
Alfonso said: “My story starts as I was given the worst news.
“The doctors painted a very black picture for me and said, ‘There’s nothing to be done’.
“So I told my mum, if IT happens then I would like my ashes dispersed close to the Nou Camp.
“My mum did everything possible for me to visit Barcelona.”
With her son running out of time, mum Maria kept calling the club until Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final rivals invited Alfonso to come to a match.
Alfonso travelled with his family from Madrid and was greeted on the pitch by his idol Messi. After Barcelona’s 2-0 win, club president Sandro Rosell personally took Alfonso to the dressing room.
Messi, who suffered from growth problems as a kid and had years of arduous treatment, came out to talk to Alfonso and pose for more pictures. Alfonso added: “Leo came in wearing his bathrobe.
“He gave me two hugs, full of love.
“I fulfilled my dream to meet Messi who also had a very bad time when he was young with the problems he had.
“But he pulled through and look where he is now.
“All the players from the first to the last are marvellous human beings.
“I spoke to Carles Puyol and Isaac Cuenca.
“They asked how I was and wished me strength to continue fighting to recover quickly.
“I said, ‘Yes, I am trying. I want to live’.”
Then came the most poignant moment as Alfonso met cancer-stricken Barcelona star Eric Abidal.
The France ace has suffered a recurrence of his cancer and is set to have a liver transplant.
Alfonso continued: “I spoke to Abidal.
“Nobody knows what he is going through better than me.
“I want him to recover as soon as possible and I wish him a lot of strength.
“Eric asked me if I had a lot of chemotherapy, how bad the side-effects were and if I was eating properly. He said, ‘God will help both of us recover’. He was magnificent.”
Mum Maria said: “Whoever from the club was responsible for the invitation has to know I will be thanking him for the rest of my life.
“Two months ago, the doctors told me, ‘Call the family because your son won’t see out this night’.
“But I still have him with me.
“He was in a coma for two days but he’s still fighting. I pray for my son and I will be praying for Abidal too.
“I will never forget the conversation they had.”
Brave Alfonso, his eyes full of tears, vowed to fight on for his life — but added: “Now with my dream fulfilled I can die in peace.”
Photos
More»
Meet Eva Murati, the glamorous UCL presenter
Friday April 26 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Brighton 0 - 4 Manchester City
Friday April 26 2024
Meet Jude Bellingham's stunning girlfriend Laura
Thursday April 25 2024
Your Say