Pocho Lavezzi recounts his addiction battle, from Maradona's advice to a crucial talk with his son

Ezequiel 'Pocho' Lavezzi, a name synonymous with Argentine football flair, has bravely broken his silence on a period of profound personal struggle, detailing his battle with addiction. In a candid interview, the former star shared the raw impact of his experiences, including a pivotal moment that spurred him to seek help: a heart-wrenching conversation with his eldest son, Tomás.

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Una de las cosas que me marcó fue que mi hijo me siente y me diga un montón de cosas y dije: ‘No, ¿qué estoy haciendo?’. No sé si me vio en una, pero se daba cuenta de cosas y pensé: ‘No le puedo ca*** la vida a mi hijo’

Lavezzi recounted how his son's words served as a stark wake-up call, forcing him to confront the destructive path he was on. "I can't screw up my son's life," he admitted, reflecting on the realization that his actions were jeopardizing his family. This emotional turning point was instrumental in his decision to enter a psychiatric clinic earlier this year, followed by further treatment in Entre Ríos.

From an Argentine perspective, Lavezzi's story resonates deeply. Football is more than just a sport here; it's woven into the fabric of our national identity. When a beloved figure like 'Pocho' Lavezzi, who once dazzled crowds with his skill, opens up about such personal battles, it humanizes him and sparks important conversations about mental health and addiction within a society that often places athletes on pedestals.

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Todo eso te lleva a darte cuenta de cómo te fuiste equivocando en el camino

His willingness to discuss his journey, including the support he received from his partner María Guadalupe Tauro and the anticipation of their second child, offers a narrative of hope and recovery. While international coverage might focus on the sensational aspects of a celebrity's fall, here in Argentina, the emphasis is on resilience, family, and the courage it takes to confront personal demons. Lavezzi's openness serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of overcoming adversity, a message that carries significant weight in a nation that deeply admires its sporting heroes.

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Tenía ganas de que me agarre en esta edad. Me siento mucho más maduro y con ganas de disfrutar todo lo que no pude con el anterior