Lionel Messi and Argentina have gained a notable fan in Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark ahead of the World Cup final against Spain. Clark didn't hesitate to declare her support for Argentina when asked about the upcoming match.
Her reason for backing Argentina is simple: she wants Lionel Messi to win. Clark, a WNBA star, has established herself as a top player, recently recording a historic 45-point, 10-assist performance against the Seattle Storm.
Before becoming a professional basketball player, Clark played soccer during her freshman and sophomore years at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa. She scored 26 goals in her first season and was named first-team all-state as a freshman.
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Clark credits soccer with helping her develop her passing abilities in basketball. "The best thing it did for me was obviously foot speed, but also reading angles," she said. Clark has the most career assists per game in Fever history with 8.3 per game.
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will take place on Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. EST on Fox, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match will feature Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, facing off against 19-year-old Spanish star Lamine Yamal.
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Yamal is viewed as Messi's heir at Barcelona, where Messi played for 17 years. The two will meet on the pitch for the first time, although they did take a photo together in 2007 as part of a charity calendar with UNICEF, when Yamal was just an infant.
Clark had hoped to attend the final, calling it a "once in a lifetime" opportunity, but noted it would be "tough" following a back-to-back schedule with the Fever. The team defeated the Seattle Storm on Friday and the New York Liberty on Saturday.
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For Clark, the outcome of the World Cup final is clear: she hopes Messi leads Argentina to victory. With her own game to focus on, Clark will likely be watching from afar, cheering on her favored team and player.
The World Cup final promises to be an exciting match, with two talented teams facing off against each other. As Clark and many other fans around the world watch, they will be witnessing a potentially historic moment in soccer history.
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The significance of the match extends beyond the pitch, with Messi's legacy and Yamal's rising star status on the line. The outcome will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and could have a lasting impact on the world of soccer.
As the teams take to the field on Sunday, Clark and countless other fans will be eagerly awaiting the result, hoping for a thrilling match and a victorious outcome for their favored team. With the stage set and the players ready, the World Cup final is sure to be an unforgettable event.
Source: Yahoo Sports
