---
The Valencia match was looming, and tension was high during morning training. Coach Marc had them start with light passing drills before moving to tactical simulations. Mateo found himself paired with Lucas in a 2v2 possession drill.
Lucas didn't acknowledge Mateo at first, playing with more aggression than usual. Several times, he intercepted Mateo's passes or outmuscled him for the ball.
After the drill, Alejandro whispered to Mateo, "You're not going to win him over by being passive. Show him you belong here."
Mateo nodded, determination sparking in his eyes.
---
During the scrimmage that followed, Lucas made a lung-busting run to close down an attacker. Mateo, positioned nearby, instinctively dropped back to cover the space Lucas had vacated, intercepting a dangerous pass. He then returned the ball to Lucas, who launched a long-range shot that curled into the top corner.
"Nice cover, Alvarez," Lucas muttered as he jogged back to position, his tone neutral but not hostile.
It was a small moment, but it gave Mateo hope.
---
That evening, Alejandro and Mateo talked in the dorms.
"You need to get Lucas on your side," Alejandro said. "It'll make things easier for everyone."
"I know, but how? He clearly doesn't like me," Mateo replied.
"Lucas respects talent, but he respects effort even more. Find a way to show him you're not just here to take his spot—you're here to make the team better," Alejandro suggested.
Mateo thought for a moment before an idea struck him.
---
The following night, after everyone had retired to their rooms, Mateo knocked on Lucas's door.
"What do you want?" Lucas asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"I want to talk," Mateo said. "Look, I get it—you think I'm here to compete with you, but that's not my goal. I'm just trying to improve and help the team."
Lucas crossed his arms. "That's easy to say, but actions speak louder."
"That's why I came here," Mateo continued. "You're one of the best players on the team. I want to learn from you, not fight against you."
Lucas studied him for a moment before stepping aside. "Fine. Let's talk."
---
Over the next week, Mateo made a concerted effort to work with Lucas during training. During 2v2 drills, he anticipated Lucas's runs and delivered accurate passes. In possession games, he covered for Lucas when the latter surged forward.
During a shooting drill, Lucas struggled with one of his weaker skills: volleys. After noticing his frustration, Mateo approached.
"Try hitting it earlier," Mateo suggested. "You're waiting too long, and the ball's dipping too much."
Lucas hesitated but tried the advice, striking the ball cleanly into the top corner.
"Not bad, Alvarez," Lucas said with a slight smirk.
Alejandro, watching from a distance, gave Mateo a thumbs-up.
---
By the end of the week, Lucas's attitude toward Mateo had visibly softened. During a team meeting, Lucas even defended Mateo when another player made a snide comment about his inexperience.
"You can say what you want, but Alvarez works harder than most of you," Lucas said, silencing the room.
The system chimed softly:
Task Completed: Win the Respect of All Teammates. Reward: +3 Stat Points.
---
The day before the Valencia match, Lucas approached Mateo after practice.
"You're not bad, Alvarez," Lucas admitted. "I've been hard on you, but you're earning your place."
"Thanks," Mateo said. "I've learned a lot from watching you play."
Lucas chuckled. "Don't get too comfortable. I'm still the better player."
"We'll see," Mateo replied with a grin.
---
That evening, the team gathered for a pre-match meeting. Coach Marc emphasized the importance of unity and effort.
"Valencia is strong, but we're stronger when we play together," Marc said.
As they left the room, Lucas clapped Mateo on the shoulder. "Let's show them what we've got tomorrow."
For the first time, Mateo felt like a true part of the team.
---
---
The day before the Valencia match, La Masia players were given a few hours off in the afternoon. Mateo took the chance to visit his family in the outskirts of Barcelona. The small apartment where his parents and younger sister lived was a far cry from the luxury of La Masia, but it was home.
As soon as he walked through the door, his little sister Sofia, an energetic 10-year-old, threw herself into his arms.
"Mateo! Did you score a goal yet?" Sofia asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Not yet," Mateo said, ruffling her hair. "But I'm working on it."
His mother emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "You look thinner," she said, inspecting him. "Are they feeding you enough at La Masia?"
Mateo laughed. "Plenty, mamá. The training is just intense."
His father, a factory worker with rough hands and a kind smile, sat at the dining table. "Sit down, son. Tell us how things are going."
Over a simple meal, Mateo shared stories about his teammates, the upcoming match, and the intense training sessions.
"You're doing great, Mateo," his father said. "Just remember, no matter what happens, we're proud of you."
"Gracias, papá," Mateo replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination.
---
Back at La Masia that evening, Mateo sat by the window in his room, looking out at the city lights. His thoughts drifted to his family and how much they'd sacrificed to support his dreams.
The system chimed softly:
New Goal Unlocked: Provide for Your Family. Reward: 10 System Points.
Mateo clenched his fists. He wasn't just playing for himself—he was playing for them, too.
---
The next morning, as the team gathered for breakfast, Alejandro noticed Mateo's quiet demeanor.
"Everything okay?" Alejandro asked.
"Yeah," Mateo said. "Just thinking about my family. I want to make them proud."
"They already are," Alejandro said. "But don't forget to enjoy the journey. You're here for a reason."
Mateo nodded, feeling slightly lighter.
---
During a light recovery session, Mateo noticed that one of the newer players, a forward named Raul, was watching him intently. Raul, known for his flashy style and confidence, approached Mateo after practice.
"So, you're the one everyone's talking about," Raul said, smirking. "Don't get too comfortable. I'm aiming for the first team, too."
Mateo didn't flinch. "Then I guess we'll see who works harder."
The tension was clear, but Mateo welcomed the challenge. He knew competition would only push him to improve.
---
Later that evening, Coach Marc called Mateo into his office.
"Alvarez, I've noticed how you're handling yourself lately," Marc said. "Balancing family, team dynamics, and your own growth isn't easy, but you're doing well."
"Thank you, Coach," Mateo said.
"Remember, the journey to the first team is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, and don't let the pressure overwhelm you."
"I won't," Mateo promised.
The system chimed as he left the office:
Attribute Growth: Composure +2.
---
That night, Mateo received a call from his mother.
"Sofia won't stop talking about you," she said, laughing softly. "She's telling everyone at school her brother is going to be the next Messi."
Mateo chuckled. "Tell her I'll try not to disappoint."
"Just remember, Mateo," his mother said, her voice turning serious. "Whatever happens, stay true to yourself. That's what matters most."
"I will, mamá," Mateo said.
---
Renewed Purpose
As Mateo lay in bed, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. He wasn't just playing for his own dreams—he was playing for his family, for his teammates, and for everyone who believed in him.
The system chimed softly one last time:
New Task Unlocked: Lead by Example. Reward: +3 Stat Points.
Mateo smiled. Tomorrow's match against Valencia was just the beginning.
---