Portuguese forward Joao Felix surprised many with his visit to the United States to watch Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final.
Felix attended the match at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, July 14, where La Albiceleste narrowly defeated Colombia to retain the trophy they won three years ago.
Pre-match events threatened to mar the South American championship finale, causing a significant kickoff delay, Goal reports.
Everything Marcelo Bielsa said about the organisation of the Copa América a few days ago has been proven right.
Huge crowd issues have delayed the Final and caused worrying scenes outside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. pic.twitter.com/GNrphdjLHh
— Newell’s Old Boys – English News (@Newells_en) July 15, 2024
However, when the game finally commenced, more than an hour late, it turned into a thrilling spectacle.
According to Billboard, in addition to the football action, fans were entertained by a performance by renowned Colombian pop star Shakira.
The highlight of the night was Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal, securing Lionel Scaloni’s team a record 16th Copa title.
Did Joao Felix root for Argentina in the Copa America final?
Unexpectedly, the 2022 World Cup winners had an unlikely supporter in the stands.
Felix, who missed the only spot-kick in Portugal’s 5-3 penalty shootout loss to France in the quarter-finals of the Euros, took time off to visit Hard Rock Stadium.
A viral photo on social media shows the Atletico Madrid forward seated in the VIP section, accompanied by a friend in an Argentina jersey and another in black.
Joao Felix was in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium to see Messi and Argentina lift the Copa America trophy 🏆
(📸 phraa/IG) pic.twitter.com/VcNFMxZZLC
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 15, 2024
Fans react to Felix watching Copa America
The image has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some offering wild speculations.
@Whotfisrayy playfully said: “Just after sending Ronaldo home, he went to support the real Goat. Joao Felix✋❤️”
@RonaldoW7_ related Felix’s presence in the USA to his missed penalty: “No wonder he missed the Penalty.”
Another user, @ItzEliInit, referring to Messi’s viral photo with a young Lamine Yamal, wrote: “He want’s to be bathed also it is not too late.”
@PalmeerEra quipped: “Inside job?”
