Emotional Farewell from Iran’s World Cup Squad in Los Angeles
Following their recent matches in Los Angeles, the Iranian national football team has left behind an emotional handwritten farewell letter in their locker room at SoFi Stadium. The note expresses gratitude to the city and its fans, while also carrying a poignant reference to a tragic school bombing incident.
A Note of Pride and Dignity
The team, having secured a 0-0 draw against Belgium and advancing to another matchday, departed Los Angeles with a message reflecting their journey. The letter begins, “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.” It continues with expressions of pride in their competition and dignity in their departure, thanking the city for its hospitality and the Iranian diaspora for their fervent support.
“We came to Los Angeles with Pride, competed with honor and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations,” the note reads.
A Somber Reference to Conflict
Intertwined with sentiments of peace and unity, the note includes the hashtags #168 and #minab. These are understood to reference a reported school attack in late February in the city of Minab. While casualty figures vary, with some reports indicating 168 deaths and others 156, the event is widely attributed to actions by the United States.
Navigating Restrictions During the Tournament
The team’s presence in the United States for the World Cup has been marked by significant logistical challenges due to immigration restrictions. Reports indicate that the Iranian team has been limited to 48-hour stays, necessitating a relocation of their base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Their schedule has involved flying to Los Angeles shortly before matches and returning to Mexico immediately afterward.
Further complications have arisen with some team officials and support staff reportedly being denied visas to enter the U.S. Player Mehdi Torabi experienced his single-entry visa expire after an earlier match, requiring him to obtain a new visa at the American consulate in Tijuana.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has publicly described his team as the “most oppressed team in the whole World Cup” in light of these ongoing restrictions.
