Iran's national football team left an emotional, handwritten message on their locker room whiteboard at SoFi Stadium following their 0-0 draw against Belgium, keeping their World Cup knockout stage hopes alive.
The message, released by the Iranian football federation, expressed deep national pride and gratitude towards their hosts, despite facing significant logistical challenges. The 74-word note resonated strongly, highlighting the squad's resilience amidst intense geopolitical pressures and serving as a powerful moment of the tournament.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read. “Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.” The team also thanked the local Iranian diaspora for their passionate support.
The message included the tags #168 and #Minab, a tribute to school children killed in a missile strike in Minab, and concluded with a plea for peace, respect, and friendship among all nations. This gesture comes as the team navigates strict US immigration travel limitations, forcing them to commute from Tijuana, Mexico.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously criticized these conditions, calling his team the "most oppressed team in the World Cup." Iran currently sits second in their group with two points and faces a must-win match against Egypt to advance to the next round.
