What an exhilarating month it has been in the World of Soccer. The Women’s World Cup was very exciting as there were fantastic goals, assists and saves. The Copa America was just as exciting as we were able to see the world‘s best create magic with just their feet and a ball yet again. Here’s a quick recap of all the roller coaster of a summer it has been so far.

The Women‘s World Cup

Growing Interest

The Women’s World Cup was a huge success this past year with the United States retaining their crown as Champions after beating France in the final 2-0. Global viewership went up by 22% and interest in the women‘s game is rapidly growing. While it is still far less popular than the men’s game, they are making the right steps for growth. Although, right now “The Men‘s game is still higher quality of play” according to SungJoon a rising Junior at NorthWood High

Megan Rapinoe

United States superstar Megan Rapinoe, has caused a lot of controversy recently as she said she would refuse to go to the White House after their World Cup triumph. She has fired many shots at President Donald Trump and is making her intentions very clear. She stated that she was “too busy” to visit the White House and meet the President.
President Trump has also fired his fair share shots. He tweeted: “WIN first before she TALKS” While Rapinoe has not fired back, she clearly has no intentions on apologizing. “We had a fight with the federation -- I’m sorry for some of the things I said. Not all of the things” Megan Rapinoe emphasized her intentions when she refused to put her hand on her heart and sing the national anthem. Trump responded by writing: Megan should never disrespect our country, the White House, or our flag, especially since so much has been done for her and the team.

In other news, Megan Rapinoe has come out and demanded equal pay for female athletes. Although, we would all like to make this reality true, there simply isn‘t enough interest in the women’s game to fund higher wages and higher pay. Especially with inflation in the soccer world being more bloated than ever. Alexis Sanchez, a forward for Manchester United, is being paid 350,000 Euros a week. That is 393,922 USD a week.
Last season, he only scored one goal and racked up zero assists. At this point, he is being paid to do absolutely nothing. U.S. star, Alex Morgan is making 300,000 USD which doesn‘t sound too bad, but it’s atrocious when you consider that that‘s all she makes in a year compared to a week.

Copa America

Messi Casts Speculation Over Copa America Corruption

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has come out and claimed that Copa America is a corrupt tournament and that Brazil are “fixed to win” every time. As many soccer fans know, Messi has been unable to win an international trophy with his team and this has caused him frustration for many years as this trophy has prevented him from being undisputed “Best player in the World”. Messi’s frustrations have been dormant for a long time, and Messi is not one to cause too much trouble on media, but this recent strike has brought attention to both parties. Is Messi over-reacting, or is Copa America actually corrupt?

<Joshua Kim/St. Margaret‘s Episcopal School 11th Grade>