The making of 'Milwaukee Messi': A story of refugees, found family and opportunity

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off this week, Milwaukee has some representation on the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Esmir Bajraktarević, known as “Milwaukee Messi,” is a 21-year-old rising star on the world stage. The Appleton-native sent Bosnia and Herzegovina to the World Cup in late March with a key penalty kick, and makes his World Cup debut on Friday.

But his journey to the World is more than thirty years in the making, and includes a civil war, found family, and bringing Milwaukee soccer up with him.

https://www.wuwm.com/the-making-of-milwaukee-messi-a-story-of-refugees-found-family-and-opportunity