The son of legendary Argentine coach Miguel Angel Russo had the toughest minute of his footballing career as the country paid tribute to his father.
Russo died on Wednesday at the age of 69 when his prostate cancer suddenly worsened eight years on from an initial diagnosis.
A funeral was held on Thursday to the 17-time Argentina international and his son Nacho Russo attended before having to play the next day.
A striker for Argentine Primera Division side Tigre, the 24-year-old was embraced by the opposition coaches for Newell’s Old Boys before joining his teammates and the opposition in the centre circle for a moment of remembrance.
Once there Nacho Russo broke down in tears and looked to the sky while his teammates comforted him.
Then, 22 minutes later, something magical then happened: he gave the visitors the lead.
Tapping in at the far post from a sublime David Romero run, he lifted his shirt over his face and then fell to his knees in tears again.
Returning to the halfway line, he then lifted his shirt, revealing a tattoo which read: “Everything is healed with love.”
Newell’s would go on to equalise in a 1-1 draw but it was still a fitting tribute to the late Miguel Angel.
Speaking post-match, Nacho said: “It’s been a very tough few months, weeks, and days. “I decided to play because I needed to, and he wanted me to play too.”
He continued: “Today is a day to remember him with a smile. It’s a kiss to heaven. He must be happy, wherever he is. “It’s a difficult time, but there are also little moments of happiness when I think of him. He will surely be happy and smile when he sees this.”
Miguel Angel was honoured across Argentinian football, including a minute’s silence during the national team’s 1-0 win over Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Who was Boca Juniors manager Miguel Angel Russo?
He played as a defensive midfielder, spending his whole playing career with Estudiantes before later coaching them.
Overall Russo managed 20 different teams across eight different countries, but he’s best remembered at giants Boca.
He coached the side on three different occasions, with his first in 2007 seeing a career peak of a Copa Libertadores victory, beating Brazilian rivals Gremio in the final with a hat-trick from Juan Roman Riquelme.
Riquelme, who is now president at Boca and brought Russo back for a third stint, was one of a number of greats coached by Russo, including Carlos Tevez, Edinson Cavani and Juan Sebastian Veron.
Concerns were raised over Russo’s health during a match against Central Cordoba on September 22.
The coach appeared to fall asleep on the bench during the 2-2 draw, and the club confirmed he was suffering from dehydration and fatigue.
Russo was hospitalised, but didn’t return to the bench, sadly dying two weeks later.
