July 14th, 2030 - World Cup Final: France vs Argentina (Continued)
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The opening fifteen minutes were chaotic. Argentina attacked with fury, feeding off the crowd's energy. France absorbed the pressure, looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
Ethan dropped deep repeatedly, helping build play from the back. Argentina's press was intense—three players swarming him every time he received the ball.
8th minute: Argentina's first real chance. Lautaro Martínez received a through ball, rounded Saliba, but Maignan made a brilliant save. Corner kick.
From the corner, Romero headed just wide. France had survived.
19th minute: France's opening. Camavinga won possession in midfield and immediately found Ethan. Ethan turned and played a first-time through ball to Mbappé. Kylian was one-on-one with Martínez but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper's outstretched leg.
So close.
27th minute: The breakthrough. Ethan received the ball thirty yards out, surrounded by three Argentine players. He faked left, went right, creating space. One touch to control. Another to set himself. Then he struck it.
The ball curled beautifully, dipping just under the crossbar. Martínez dove but couldn't reach it.
France 1-0.
The French fans erupted. The Argentine fans fell silent.
Ethan didn't celebrate extravagantly—just raised his fist and jogged back. One goal down. Eighty minutes to hold on.
34th minute: Argentina equalized. Garnacho received the ball on the left wing, cut inside past Koundé, and crossed low. Lautaro Martínez finished from close range. 1-1.
The stadium exploded. Argentina were level. The momentum had shifted.
41st minute: Disaster. Argentina took the lead. Mac Allister's shot from distance deflected off Tchouaméni and looped over Maignan into the net. Argentina 2-1.
The Argentine fans were delirious. France were in trouble.
Halftime: Argentina 2-1 France
In the locker room, the atmosphere was tense. France had been the better team but were losing.
Deschamps addressed the squad:
"Unlucky goal. Deflection. It happens. But we're still in this. We've come back from worse. Remember Brazil? We were 2-0 down. We won 3-2. This is the same. We stay calm. We execute. We win."
Ethan spoke up:
"This is my last World Cup. I'm not losing this final. Whatever it takes, we find a way to win. Agreed?"
The team nodded. The determination was palpable.
Second Half
51st minute: France equalized. Theo Hernández drove forward on the left and crossed low. The ball deflected to Thuram, who finished. 2-2.
Game on again.
59th minute: France took the lead. Ethan received the ball on the edge of the box, turned brilliantly past Fernández, and slotted it past Martínez with his left foot. France 3-2.
The French fans erupted. Ethan sprinted to the corner flag, sliding on his knees. His teammates piled on top of him.
Two goals for Ethan. France were winning the World Cup final.
68th minute: Argentina equalized again. Álvarez received a through ball, rounded Upamecano, and finished past Maignan. 3-3.
Unbelievable. This match was an absolute thriller.
76th minute: Deschamps made a substitution. Giroud came on for Thuram. Fresh legs. Experience.
84th minute: The decisive moment. Ethan received the ball in midfield, played a one-two with Mbappé, and suddenly he was through on goal. One-on-one with Martínez.
Time slowed down.
This was it. His last World Cup. His chance at immortality. Three World Cups. Only him and Pelé.
He struck it with his right foot, low to the goalkeeper's left.
Martínez dove. Got a hand to it. But the power was too much.
The ball nestled into the bottom corner.
France 4-3.
Ethan had completed his hat-trick. In a World Cup final. On Bastille Day.
He didn't know how to celebrate. This was too big. Too overwhelming. He just stood there, arms outstretched, as his teammates mobbed him.
"LOKI! LOKI! LOKI!" the French fans chanted.
90+6 minutes: Full time whistle.
France 4-3 Argentina
France had won their third consecutive World Cup.
Ethan had won his third World Cup. A hat-trick in the final. Eight goals in the tournament.
Only him and Pelé had three World Cups now.
The Celebration
The scenes were euphoric. French players collapsed on the pitch, overwhelmed with emotion. The Argentine fans sat stunned, unable to process what had happened.
Ethan lay on the grass, staring at the sky, tears streaming down his face. Not tears of sadness—tears of release. Of accomplishment. Of completion.
Mbappé pulled him up. "You're a legend. Three World Cups. A hat-trick in the final. Unbelievable."
"We did it together," Ethan said. "This team. This brotherhood."
The trophy presentation was magical. Macron, the French President, presented the trophy. Ethan lifted it as captain, holding it above his head.
"CHAMPIONS DU MONDE! CHAMPIONS DU MONDE!"
The French fans sang. The players danced. The moment was perfect.
Ethan was named Man of the Match. He'd scored a hat-trick. Eight goals in the tournament. Led France to glory.
In the post-match interview, still covered in champagne, Ethan was asked about his achievement:
"Three World Cups. You and Pelé. How does it feel?"
"Surreal. Pelé is the greatest ever. To be mentioned alongside him is an honor I can't fully process right now. This team made it possible. This country made it possible. I'm just grateful."
"Is this your last World Cup?"
"Yes. I announced before the tournament. This was my last. And what a way to go out."
"Hat-trick in the final. Best possible ending?"
Ethan smiled, exhausted but elated. "I couldn't have written it better myself."
Later That Night - Team Hotel
The French squad celebrated at their hotel in Buenos Aires. Music blasting. Players dancing. Champagne flowing.
Ethan stepped outside onto the balcony for a moment of solitude. The city sprawled before him, still buzzing with celebration and devastation depending on which team you supported.
His phone buzzed. Sofia calling.
"Hello?"
"ETHAN! OH MY GOD! THREE WORLD CUPS! A HAT-TRICK IN THE FINAL! I'M CRYING!"
He laughed. "Are you okay?"
"I'm amazing! Lucas is asleep but he watched the whole match. He was so proud. He kept saying 'That's my dada!' every time you touched the ball."
Ethan felt tears forming again. "I wish I could have been watching with him."
"You were playing in a World Cup final. You scored a hat-trick. You won. He understands. He's so proud of you. I'm so proud of you."
"I love you. Both of you. So much."
"We love you too. Come home soon. We miss you."
"Few more days for celebrations and media, then I'm home. I promise."
After hanging up, Ethan stayed on the balcony, reflecting on the journey.
Three World Cups. Ten Champions League titles. Eight Ballon d'Ors. Countless records.
But the thing he was most proud of? Coming home to Lucas and Sofia in a few days. Being present. Being a father and husband.
Football had given him everything. Now it was time to give everything to his family.
One more season. Then retirement.
July 20th, 2030 - Return to France
France landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport to a hero's welcome. Thousands of fans lined the streets. The victory parade through Paris was spectacular.
The Champs-Élysées was packed. Two million people celebrating. The team bus drove slowly through the crowds, players on the open top deck waving and singing.
Ethan held the World Cup trophy above his head. The crowd roared.
"LOKI! LOKI! LOKI!"
At the Arc de Triomphe, Macron gave a speech:
"France, we have witnessed history. Three World Cups in four tournaments. Led by the greatest player of his generation. Ethan Loki, you have brought glory to France. You have inspired millions. You are a legend."
The crowd erupted.
Ethan was asked to speak. He took the microphone, looking out at the sea of people:
"Thank you, France. This is my third World Cup. My last World Cup. I couldn't ask for a better ending. We won together—as a team, as a nation. This trophy belongs to all of you. Merci."
The simplicity of the speech made it perfect. No grand declarations. Just gratitude.
July 22nd, 2030 - Finally Home
After three days of celebrations, media obligations, and official events, Ethan finally returned to Barcelona.
Sofia picked him up at the airport with Lucas. The moment Ethan saw them, everything else faded away.
Lucas ran toward him, arms outstretched. "DADA!"
Ethan dropped his bags and scooped up his son. "Mijo! I missed you so much!"
"You won! You're the champion!"
"We won. France won."
"But you scored three goals! Mama said that's called a trick hat!"
Ethan laughed. "Hat-trick. Yes, I scored a hat-trick."
"That's so cool! You're the best football player!"
"Thank you, mijo."
Sofia approached, smiling. Ethan hugged her with one arm, still holding Lucas with the other.
"Welcome home, champion," she said softly.
"It's good to be home."
They drove back to their apartment. Lucas talked nonstop about the World Cup, the goals, the celebrations he'd seen on TV.
That night, after Lucas was asleep, Ethan and Sofia sat on their balcony overlooking Barcelona.
"Three World Cups," Sofia said. "You and Pelé. That's immortality."
"It doesn't feel real yet. Maybe it will eventually."
"What's next? The final season?"
"Yes. 2030-31. Then retirement. I'll announce it publicly in January. Give fans time to prepare. Do a proper farewell tour."
"No regrets?"
"None. I'm ready. Football has given me everything. Now I want to give everything to you and Lucas."
"He adores you, you know. He talks about you constantly. 'My dada is the best.' 'My dada won the World Cup.' He's so proud."
"I want to be the father he deserves. Present. Engaged. Not the dad who's always traveling or exhausted."
"You're getting there. You really are."
They sat in comfortable silence, watching the city lights.
Tomorrow, Ethan would rest. Then vacation with family. Then preseason with Barcelona. Then the final season.
But tonight, he was just Ethan. Husband. Father. Home.
August 2030 - Family Vacation
Ethan took Sofia and Lucas on vacation to the south of France. A villa near Nice. Beach days. Simple pleasures. No football. No media. Just family.
Lucas loved the beach. Building sandcastles. Splashing in the waves. Collecting shells.
"Dada, look! I found a big shell!"
"That's a great shell, mijo. Should we add it to your collection?"
"Yes! It's the best one!"
They spent two weeks there. Hiking. Swimming. Cooking together. Playing games.
One evening, after Lucas was asleep, Ethan and Sofia sat on the villa's terrace, wine in hand.
"This is perfect," Sofia said. "This is what life should be."
"Agreed. I want more of this. Less football, more family."
"One more season. Then you'll have all the time in the world."
"I'm counting down. Not because I hate football—I still love it. But because I love this more."
"That's the right priority."
"I learned from you. You showed me what matters."
Sofia leaned against him. "We're going to have a beautiful life together. After football."
"We already have a beautiful life. It's just going to get better."
September 2030 - Barcelona Preseason
Barcelona's 2030-31 preseason began. Ethan's final season.
He hadn't announced it publicly yet. Only Xavi, Sofia, and a few close friends knew. The public announcement would come in January.
But Ethan approached preseason differently. More mindful. More present. Savoring every moment.
During the first team meeting, Xavi addressed the squad:
"This season, we have one goal: win everything. Champions League final is June 6th in Munich. We want to be there. We want to win our eleventh Champions League. Let's make this season special."
The squad was strong again:
Forwards: Loki (29), Endrick (23), Ferran Torres (30) Midfielders: Pedri (27), Gavi (26), De Jong (33) Defenders: Koundé (31), Araújo (31), Balde (27) Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen (38)
A blend of experience and youth. Capable of competing for trophies.
Ethan was named captain again. His leadership would be crucial.
September 15th, 2030 - La Liga Season Opener
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
The 2030-31 La Liga season kicked off at Camp Nou. The stadium was packed. Fans excited for a new campaign.
Ethan started upfront with Endrick. The chemistry between them had developed well—Endrick's pace and energy complemented Ethan's intelligence and finishing.
23rd minute: Barcelona took the lead. Pedri played a through ball to Ethan. Ethan rounded the goalkeeper and slotted it in. 1-0.
55th minute: Endrick doubled the lead. Ethan's perfectly weighted pass split the defense. Endrick finished clinically. 2-0.
78th minute: Ethan scored again. A brilliant solo goal—receiving the ball on the halfway line, dribbling past three defenders, and curling it into the top corner. 3-0.
Final Score: Barcelona 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
Ethan: 2 goals, 1 assist
A perfect start to the final season.
After the match, Ethan was interviewed:
"Strong performance today. How are you feeling heading into this season?"
"Good. Motivated. We have a strong squad. We want to compete for everything."
"You're twenty-nine now. Do you think you have many seasons left?"
Ethan smiled cryptically. "We'll see. Right now, I'm focused on this season. That's all that matters."
The interviewer didn't press further. But the question lingered. How much longer would Ethan Loki play?
The world would find out in January.
October 2030 - Champions League Returns
Barcelona's Champions League campaign began. They'd been drawn in Group B with:
Barcelona Bayern Munich Inter Milan Red Star Belgrade
A difficult group. Bayern and Inter were both strong. Qualification wouldn't be easy.
October 2nd - Barcelona 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
Ethan scored twice. Professional performance. Three points secured.
October 23rd - Bayern Munich 2-2 Barcelona
A tough draw in Munich. Ethan scored Barcelona's second goal with a brilliant free kick. One point gained.
November 6th - Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan
Narrow victory at Camp Nou. Ethan assisted both goals. Crucial three points.
After three matches: Barcelona had 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw). In good position to qualify.
November 2030 - Lucas's Development
Lucas was now three and a half years old. His personality had fully emerged—curious, energetic, funny, affectionate.
He'd started preschool in September and was thriving. Making friends. Learning new things daily. Growing up fast.
One evening, Ethan picked him up from preschool (a rare occurrence given training schedules, but Ethan was trying to be more present).
"Dada! You picked me up!" Lucas was thrilled.
"Of course. How was school?"
"Good! We learned about dinosaurs!"
"Dinosaurs? Tell me about them."
Lucas talked nonstop for the entire drive home about T-Rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptors. Ethan listened intently, asking questions, engaging fully.
At home, they played dinosaurs together before dinner. Lucas roaring and stomping around. Ethan pretending to be scared.
"The T-Rex is coming! Run!"
"RAWR! I'm gonna eat you!"
"Oh no! Someone save me!"
Sofia watched from the kitchen, smiling. This was the Ethan she'd always known he could be. Present. Engaged. Joyful.
During dinner, Lucas asked a question that caught Ethan off guard:
"Dada, when you gonna stop playing football?"
Ethan and Sofia exchanged glances.
"Why do you ask, mijo?"
"Because I want you to pick me up from school more. And play with me more."
The honesty was heartbreaking and beautiful.
"Well," Ethan said carefully, "I'm going to play for one more year. Then after that, I'll stop. And I'll pick you up from school all the time. And we'll play dinosaurs every day. Would you like that?"
Lucas's face lit up. "Every day?"
"Every day."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Lucas seemed satisfied with that answer. He went back to eating his pasta.
But Ethan sat there, emotion swelling. His three-year-old son wanted him around more. That was the clearest sign possible that retirement was the right choice.
One more year. Then all his time would belong to Lucas and Sofia.
December 2030 - The Final Christmas as a Player
Christmas 2030 arrived. Ethan's last Christmas as an active footballer.
The family celebrated simply. Just the three of them. Tree. Presents. Christmas dinner. Lucas's joy at opening presents.
"Dada! Santa brought me a dinosaur toy!"
"That's amazing, mijo! Which dinosaur is it?"
"A Stegosaurus! With spikes!"
"Very cool. What are you going to name it?"
"Spike! Because he has spikes!"
"Perfect name."
They spent the day playing with toys, watching Christmas movies, and just being together.
That evening, after Lucas was asleep, Ethan and Sofia reflected on the year.
"Three World Cups," Sofia said. "What a year."
"Best and most exhausting year of my career. But worth it."
"One more year. Then retirement. Are you ready?"
"Completely ready. I'm at peace with it. The announcement in January will make it real."
"How do you think fans will react?"
"Mixed emotions probably. Some will understand. Some will want me to play longer. But I'm doing what's right for me and for our family."
"That's all that matters."
They sat in comfortable silence, the Christmas tree lights twinkling in the corner.
Ethan's final season was halfway done. Six months from now, he'd play his last Champions League final (hopefully). Twelve months from now, he'd play his last professional match ever.
The end was approaching. And Ethan was ready to embrace it.
End of Chapter 89