Neymar sends a message of support to Mexican football fan Gilberto Martinez.
Gilberto Martínez is one of several Mexican fans that made the trip to Russia. What made Gilberto's story so special was that he had planned to make the trip with his wife and two kids, Diego (8) and Mia (6), but he sadly had to make the trip without them, as they died in a traffic accident two months before the start of the tournament.
Martinez traveled to Russia without his family, but with friends where they watched 5 games. Three of his own country Mexico - including the one against Germany - one of Argentina (since that’s where his wife was born) and because his son wanted to see Neymar play he also bought tickets for Brasil.
Martinez wore T-shirts of Mexico and Argentina that on the back said: “Vero, Diego, Mia, always with me.” And wore the badges around his neck, the photo-ID game passes of his wife and children.
Thanks to Mexican goalie Guillermo Ochoa the story also came to the attention of Neymar who recorder the video above for Gilberto. "Hello Gilberto, I'm here to say hello, and to thank you for your affection”, says Neymar in the video. “I can't imagine how you've spent the last few months and how hard it's been for you, but you have to be strong for your family and fulfill your dream. Thank you for your words and for being fond of Brazilian football, I hope to keep playing like this while being happy on the pitch, because having fans like your boy or mine is what makes me happy."
The shirts Gilberto made to honor his family
Gilberto Martinez at the 2018 World Cup with the badges his wife and children would've worn.