Mariano Rivera urges young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol

The pitcher of the New York Yankees, Mariano Rivera, asked young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol during a talk he had with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at the National Palace.

In the video of the conversation, shared on the government's official social media accounts, the MLB star reflected on biblical phrases, the love for God, and the benefits of sports.

"It would be very helpful if you could transmit to the young people of Mexico, Latin America, and the world, Canada, United States. You know what I would like you to talk about, the consumption of drugs, how to avoid drug use because it causes a lot of harm, how to be happy without turning to drugs," requested the President from the Salón Morisco at the Palace.

With a ball in hand, the Hall of Fame member said that it's very easy, because drugs have no place in sports or in the life of any young person.

"My message has always been the same: every young person who wants to be an athlete or not, wants to be a doctor, engineer, whatever God allows them to be, we have to stay away from drugs, we have to stay away from alcohol, we have to stay away from things that harm us," he replied.

López Obrador explained that the government of Mexico is strengthening the population's values because "man does not live by bread alone."

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Furthermore, he mentioned that they are attending to young people to guarantee their right to education and work, and so they are not lured by criminal gangs.

These phrases impacted the baseball player, who responded that the key is to be faithful to everything the Bible says.

"What you're telling me is exactly what is written in the Bible," celebrated López Obrador.

He added that his other biblical phrases are the concept of happiness, being at peace with one's conscience and the Creator, as well as understanding that material things do not bring happiness.

Returning to the conversation about drugs and sports, the President said that he is sure that many young athletes admire the pitcher for what he does, "you are an example to follow for us."

The meeting concluded with López Obrador inviting the baseball player to visit the presidential office: "this is the eagle's chair, the presidential chair, I am here by the will of the people."

Amidst the conversation, López Obrador challenged Rivera to go to the field the next time he visits.

"There is a challenge, we will go to the field when you come back, because with all due respect, I'm going to strike you out," he said.

"With all due respect, I'm prepared," responded the Panamanian.

JLMR