Stars shine at the World Cup

The United States first hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, and this is their second WC.  This time, they have Mexico and Canada as co-hosts, but they are minor partners as the knockout stages will have most of the matches in 11 US host cities.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the host nation is at war with one of the participating nations, with the national team up to now, facing challenges brought about by the conflict.   Iran had been struggling with visa issues, travel restrictions and regulations that includes not being allowed to stay in the US, which forced them to set up base in Tijuana, Mexico.  But despite all of this, they managed a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their first match but immediately after, they were asked to return to Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is the true meaning of a jetsetter.   He’s attending two matches daily in different parts of North America.   From Mexico City to Los Angeles, to San Francisco to Vancouver to Seattle to Arlington.   There are 16 host cities in the US, Canada and Mexico and Infantino aims to be present in most of them.

The big stars of the beautiful game are here, though a bit older.   Leo Messi, at 38, is still Messi, scoring all 3 goals for Argentina in their 3-0 win over Algeria.  Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing for Portugal but went scoreless in their 1-1 draw versus Congo.   Both stars are in their last World Cup.

Messi scored his first WC goal 20 years ago.   With the 3 goals he scored, he tied Germany’s Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup leading scorers list with 16.   Unseating Klose from the top is just a matter of time for Messi who’s in his sixth WC.   He probably can do it this coming Monday against Austria.

But Messi can’t be nonchalant with goals as Kylian Mbappe of France is breathing on his neck.   He scored two goals in their 3-1 win against Senegal, making him France’s top scorer at World Cups.   He now tallies 14 WC goals since his first in 2018 and is just 2 goals behind Klose and Messi.   Another goal and Mbappe ties Ronaldo, the Brazilian, with 15.   Only 27, Mbappe is on track for the World Cup’s all-time top scorer.

Norway returned to the WC after being absent for 28 years and they made an immediate impact courtesy of their 25-year-old superstar Erling Haaland.   He scored 2 goals in their 4-1 win against Iraq in his WC debut and as a prolific striker for Manchester City in the EPL, he could score more goals.

If you’re stateside, the WC can be experienced not only at stadiums but also on the sidewalks with various World Cup merchandise, with fans walking around wearing their team colors.  Last Saturday, the Brooklyn Bridge was literally peopled with Brazil fans in their yellow jerseys.

It’s still a month to go and the football stars are just heating up.