The Soccer Show: Blessing and Family Ready to “Start a New Life”
One of the New England Revolution’s most important offseason acquisitions, former LAFC midfielder Latif Blessing, is beginning to feel right at home in Foxborough. The Ghanian midfielder has played six games so far in his first season with the Revolution, but Blessing’s biggest highlight of 2023 so far has been off the field.
After more than five years apart, and several failed attempts to secure the proper visas during his time in Los Angeles, Blessing and his wife can now finally be together in the United States, along with their 10-month-old daughter, Reign. In April, Blessing traveled to his home near Accra, Ghana so the family could complete their required paperwork. Finally, on April 29th, all three Blessings arrived in Boston as a family.
“I’m so happy. It’s been a while, like five years now without seeing my family,” Blessing told DJ Bean on The Soccer Show. “I would see my family every offseason, but [it] is not enough for me, it’s not enough for my wife.”
Blessing was a true fan favorite during his time with LAFC, which included both MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles. Despite the joy on the field, the loneliness took its toll for Blessing. When New England came calling in the offseason, it was the team’s promise that they could reunite him with his family that convinced him of making the most to Boston.
Only two months into his first season with the Revs, the club fulfilled its promise. Now, Blessing can form the bond with his daughter, who is learning him just as he learns to navigate fatherhood.
“Every time I wake up, I wake up with her, she sees me, wants to wake me up. So, I feel like I’m dad now, you know? I’m a complete dad.”
Blessing highlighted the role Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena played in bringing his family to Foxborough. Blessing said Arena was a constant advocate for him, determined to make good on his word of reuniting Blessing with his wife and baby.
“When I came here, Bruce, he was part of me. Bruce knows how I felt, so he helped me a lot,” Blessing said. “He talked to me like: ‘We’ll make sure your family is here.’ Every time I come in, he asks me: ‘How is your wife doing? Does your wife like it here?’ So, I give credit to Bruce.”
Blessing and the Revs look to extend their unbeaten streak to nine games tonight as they take on Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium. The 7:30 p.m. match airs live on 98.5 The Sports Hub with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on the call, and streams for free on Apple TV.
