In 2017, he played for Argentina alongside Messi - and today, he drives an Uber

Watching world-class football every week, it's easy to forget just how fragile those players are. They run, kick, jump and perform great things with a ball - but none of it lasts forever - nor does it mean a lifetime of happiness and relaxation. All the glamour and glory goes away and is replaced by mundaness quickly.

Leo and Jose in 2017

Argentinean footballer Jose Luis Gomez is currently sidelined through injury. He's 30 years old is contracted to Racing Club, one of the most popular clubs in Argentina. You'd think he'll be back playing soon, considering he's in his prime years and has played for the Argentinean national team alongside a guy called Lionel Messi. However, he spends his afternoons driving an Uber. What is going on?!

There is a possibility he might retire by the end of the year because the torn meniscus, the injury he first sustained in 2019 is still tormenting him. The footballer's future is uncertain, and he may not have a clear answer about it at this point.

His father, Jose Luis, mentioned that their family has always been humble and that football has helped them. After training sessions, his son works driving the Uber car in the afternoons or sometimes at night. It's a far cry from 2017, when Jose Luis Gomez played in two friendly matches for the Argentine national team, then managed by Jorge Sampaoli.

Gomez's contract with Racing expires on 31 December, and the club has no intention of renewing it. For over a year, he has only been training with a physical trainer at the Tita Mattiussi Training Center, but not regularly. His physical condition forces him to be absent often, and the club cannot afford to pay a player who can't even train. As he hasn't been considered for the first team or the reserves, he hasn't had any competitive activity during this time.

If Gomez doesn't secure an opportunity to play for another team by the end of the year, he might consider retiring from football. His father Jose Sr. expressed the wish that he finds a new chance in the game.

"We were always a humble family. Jose helps us a lot. After training, go out to work with the car in the afternoon. Sometimes, more at night. I hope something good happens for him, so he can keep doing what he best. He loves football and is the happiest on the pitch."

Racing offered him a one-year contract in January 2022 as he emerged from the club's youth system. However, his performance gradually declined, hampered by injuries. Before returning to Racing, Gomez had a brief stint on loan at Huracan, but health problems led him to leave the club.

His last official match in the Argentinean top-flight was for Lanus on 29 April 2021, in a Copa Sudamericana game. He played a total of 30 games for Racing and won three titles at Lanus: Superliga, Copa Bicentenario, and Supercopa Argentina. Above all, he earned a call to represent his country. He was on his way to the very top. But things have changed.

Gomez still hasn't given up on his dreams - and we hope he'll recover and return to football soon.