NewsHeartbreak to Tragedy: Boca Juniors fan's fatal despair after Copa Libertadores loss

Heartbreak to Tragedy: Boca Juniors fan's fatal despair after Copa Libertadores loss

In the picture: Boca Juniors fans, a grieving mother of the deceased fan in the frame.
In the picture: Boca Juniors fans, a grieving mother of the deceased fan in the frame.
Images source: © Getty Images | Ricardo Moreira

6:13 AM EST, November 7, 2023

Tragically, an ardent Boca Juniors fan took his own life after witnessing his beloved soccer team's defeat in the Copa Libertadores final. Argentine media outlets spoke with the victim's grieving mother, who places blame on the defeated team.

The Copa Libertadores final happened just last weekend. This international competition, where the pre-eminent soccer clubs of South America face off annually, attracts considerable attention.

This year's final was a stark departure from the past few seasons, where Brazilian teams vied for the title three years straight. However, this year saw Fluminense from Rio de Janeiro representing Brazil, with Argentina's Boca Juniors being their opponents.

Fluminense reached the final for the second time in the club’s history. In 2008, they had fallen to Colombian LDU Quito in a penalty shootout. But this time, they managed to triumph over Boca Juniors in overtime, clinching the title of the most prestigious South American club competition.

In the aftermath of the match, a shocking incident unfolded. Argentine media reported that following the loss of their country's team, a Boca Juniors fan tragically took his own life.

The story gained widespread attention when Cronica TV journalists spoke with the deceased fan's mother. She revealed that the despair from her son's beloved club's loss drove him to commit suicide.

"He was a fanatic, a diehard Boca fan. When they lost, he sank into a bad mood. He was depressed, despondent. Then he grew angry, lamenting that his team - whom he considered the greatest - could not lose," Veronica shared, recounting the events at her home after the Argentine team's defeat.

As per media reports, the Boca fan's name was Marcelo. He was 23 and worked as a police officer. His mother found him lifeless in his bed.

"It's Boca's fault. Their loss led to my son's death. I lay the blame on them. Now I have lost him. Not a single player or anyone associated with the team has offered their condolences," the grieving mother confessed.