‘Milwaukee Messi’ took BiH to the WC. His parents escaped from the hell of Srebrenica, and his mentor was Perišić

His life full of sacrifices, family tragedy and incredible perseverance is a story that goes beyond sports. His talent was also recognized by the legendary Croatian national team player and former hajdukovac Ivan Perišićwho became his teammate in PSVč and a mentor. After one brilliant match, Perišić sent a message to the BiH coach on Instagram Sergey Barbarezu which became legendary: “Electors, the little one is ready!”.

Ožiljci rata i američki san

The story of Esmir begins long before his birth on August 10, 2005 in Wisconsin. His parents, Elmir and Emina, grew up in Bosnia, but their youth was interrupted by the war. After the tanks arrived in their homeland, they spent two years on the run, eventually finding refuge in Switzerland. In 2001, as part of the refugee program, they arrived in the United States to start a new life.

Growing up was not easy. Father and mother worked in 12-hour shifts to feed the family, sometimes not even seeing each other. But the war horrors they experienced instilled in Esmira a deep respect for family and roots.

​- My parents lost a good part of their čfamily members. It is a tragedy and something I will never forget. Srebrenica is something I will never forget. It’s part of me and who I am. It’s in my blood – Esmir told the American media.

Those difficult experiences shaped him and gave him motivation.

​- It was hard to watch them struggle, so I’m grateful for everything they gave me. Honestly, it motivates me every day because I’ve seen what they’ve been through. It taught me to never give up because I know things can always be worse and to always be grateful for everything I have.

“Milwaukee Messi” and the family that changed his life

Football was a constant in the Bajraktarevi family. Father Elmir even today, at the age of 50, plays every day, and he passed his love for the ball on to his children. However, growing up in Appleton, Wisconsin, meant that Esmir did not have easy access to the big soccer academies. The closest MLS clubs, Chicago Fire and Minnesota United, were three to four hours’ drive away.

Frustration grew, but so did motivation. He played in local leagues, and then fate intervened. He met Liam Wasc, a boy who would become his best friend. Liam’s parents, Kevin and Mitzy, saw Esmir’s incredible talent and decided to help him. As Esmir himself admitted, they “practically paid for him during his entire club career”.

​- I still don’t know why they did that. It is happiness to have them in your life. Č I deal with them every day. They are almost like a second family to me. I am really grateful to them for everything – said Bajraktarevi.

Kevin Wascohimself a former university player, became his guardian for football matters, helping the family who did not understand the complex contracts.

​- Small is so good and would get lost. He’s a great kid. We see him as a member of our family. When we plan to buy shoes for our children, we also plan for Esmir – explained Kevin.

Žtva za odlazak u New England

Pomoć the Wasco family and incredible talent led him to try out in the New England Revolution, which changed his life. At the age of 16, the club offered him a place in their residence, which meant that he would become the first player to play. outside the region who lives there. The decision was difficult, he would only see his family once or twice a year.

​- Dad told me that staying at home would only be wasting my talent. I learned to sacrifice at an early age. Leaving at the age of 16 was the right move – he explained.

In America, he soon got the nickname “Milwaukee Messi”. In January 2024, he made his debut for the USA senior national team in a friendly match against Slovenia. But the heart was drawn to the other side.

Decision of the heart and mentor Ivan Perišić

Despiteč to the invitation of the USA, Esmir did not hesitate. He always dreamed of playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country of his parents. In August 2024, Fifa approved the change of his sports citizenship.

​- For me it was not a question of who I would play for. I always knew that I always wanted to play for BiH. When I was little I always watched the games. I always liked players like Džeka and Pjani. That was a dream – said the young football player.

In January 2025, he made a big transfer to Europe, signing for the Dutch PSV. Ivan Periši met him there, who became his support and friend. Their relationship attracted a lot of attention in the region, and Periši’s support for his young teammate was immense, often praising him on social networks and giving him advice on the field. Wipeć he also took him to a retreat in Tilburg to make him feel at home.

His decision to play for BiH turned out to be the right one, and the peak came in March 2026 in the Bara final against Italy. The match went to a penalty shootout, and the last, decisive shot was taken by Esmir. He cold-bloodedly scored and led his country to the World Cup, writing the most beautiful pages of Bosnian football.

At the World Cup, Bajraktarević appeared in all four matches of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He started two from the first minute, while in the remaining two he got a chance in the continuation. There, too, he was part of a historic success, as the “dragons” at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico passed group B as third place, and were stopped in the round of 16 by the host USA.