There’s a level of pride watching your country win a World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

For 36 of those years, I’ve suffered through 28 of them — From the drama surrounding Maradona in 94’ to Dennis Bergkamp’s wonder goal in 98’ to the heartbreak of losing the final against Germany in 14’.

I recently caught a ride from an Italian Uber driver who looked at me through their rear view mirror with a grin saying “ Campeón del mundo” when I told them I was Argentine.

What a time to be Argentine.

I understand that the country itself has its ongoing problems but for the first time in a very long time, we as a footballing nation are finally receiving our flowers.

I’m enjoying watching football. I watch football now through a different lens — one of enjoyment.

For example, yesterday was the 9 year anniversary of Argentina losing the 2014 World Cup final versus Germany and not that I keep track of that date, it was littered across my social media feeds.

That final used to plagued me with “what If’s” for many years, and although the feelings of regret and sadness still exist, my mood watching the highlights yesterday shifted from frustration and regret to how great it would’ve been for that generation of players to get their shine as well.

The failures and suffering from pervious generation of players is what makes 2022’s triumph mean that much more. There was a sense of closure for a lot of us, who repeatedly lived through numerous World Cup heartbreaks.

It goes to show you hard difficult it is to win a World Cup and how much we’re going to enjoy our third star.

After 6 months of ongoing celebrations and tributes since that night of Doha, Messi has now touched down in Miami for his new endeavor in MLS.

What a time to be an MLS fan.

I remember the buzz when Beckham arrived to LA in 2007. I was lucky to watch Beckham play once — in a playoff game versus the New York Redbulls which is considered one of his greatest performances with the LA Galaxy.

Messi coming to MLS — To Miami, hits different.

He’s coming to America at a time when his fame is arguably at its peak.

Back in 2007, I had the opportunity to rub elbows with English journalists at a reserve league game on a Sunday morning at the training grounds of Home Depot Center.

Once I was finished overhearing their conversation about road trips across Europe covering The Three lions (England’s national team) they asked me a few questions about the team, the league and game in this country.

I regret being more of an introvert back then because I would’ve loved to been more present in that conversation.

Fast forward 16 years later, still basking in World Cup glory, I hope Argentine reporters are asking local fans around the training center the same type of questions getting to know our league.

Lets just hope they weren’t as introvert as me :)

With Messi playing in MLS. The 2024 Copa America, 2026 World Cup scheduled to be played in the States, and a bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup:

What a time to be a soccer fan.

Pablo Coppola

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