The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have left countless families grieving, with many people losing loved ones in the disaster. Among those affected is Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo, who suffered an unimaginable personal tragedy.
Trejo lost his wife and two children after the residential building where they were staying in Playa Grande, Venezuela, collapsed during the powerful earthquakes.
Is Trejo playing in FIFA World Cup?
In the aftermath of the tragedy, some fans have wondered whether Trejo is part of Argentina's squad for the FIFA World Cup or has featured in the tournament.
However, that is not the case. The defender was not included in the World Cup squad announced by Lionel Scaloni and has not played in any matches during the competition.
Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Lucas Trejo currently plays as a defender for Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira in Venezuela's Segunda División.
Despite his lengthy professional career, he has never represented Argentina at the senior international level and has not earned a single cap for the national team.
{{/usCountry}}Despite his lengthy professional career, he has never represented Argentina at the senior international level and has not earned a single cap for the national team.
{{/usCountry}}Trejo was not considered for Argentina's World Cup squad as the Albiceleste's defensive unit features established internationals: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico and Marco Senesi.
Also read: Venezuela earthquake: Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo’s first response emerges after family tragedy
Leandro Balerdi was initially part of the squad plans but was forced to withdraw because of injury, paving the way for Senesi's inclusion in the final roster.
Trejo's response after family tragedy
Trejo, the veteran defender, was away from his family at the time, as he was in Caracas on club duty when the disaster struck.
The loss has been particularly heartbreaking for the 38-year-old, who spent days desperately searching for his loved ones before rescue teams eventually recovered their bodies from the rubble.
After learning that the building had collapsed, Trejo quickly left his club's camp and traveled back home to take part in the search for his family. Clinging to hope and seeking any possible leads, he also used social media to ask the public for assistance in finding his loved ones.
Following the heartbreaking confirmation of their deaths, the Argentine defender paid tribute to his family by sharing a treasured photograph of them on his Instagram Story, offering a glimpse into the profound loss he has endured.