A handwritten note of pride
After a goalless draw with Belgium in the World Cup, Iran’s national soccer team retreated to their locker room and found a simple piece of paper waiting for them. The players, still in their kits, gathered around the sheet and, with pens in hand, penned a brief but powerful message.
The note, written in Persian script, declared that the squad had arrived in the United States with pride, competed on the field with honor, and would leave with dignity. It also extended gratitude to Los Angeles for the warm hospitality they experienced during their stay in the city.
A promise of peace
At the close of the message, the team added a universal wish: a hope for peace, respect and friendship among all nations. The sentiment, though brief, resonated beyond the confines of sport, echoing a desire for dialogue in a world often divided by competition.
The team’s next assignment will take them to Seattle, where they are scheduled to face Egypt in a highly anticipated clash. However, logistical hurdles have forced Iran’s contingent to base its operations in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the tournament, a restriction imposed by travel regulations.