💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark declared her allegiance to Argentina ahead of Sunday’s World Cup championship match against Spain. Clark’s backing of the South American squad comes despite the U.S. men’s national team’s early elimination in the Round of 16, demonstrating her continued investment in the tournament’s outcome.
When asked Saturday night following the Fever’s 108-88 victory over the New York Liberty which team she would support in the final, Clark made her preference clear. “I’m cheering for Argentina,” Clark stated. “I want Messi, so I’ll be cheering hard.” The comment reflects her admiration for 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who is pursuing his second consecutive World Cup title with Argentina.
Argentina seeks to join an exclusive group as only the third nation to capture back-to-back men’s World Cups. The achievement would represent a historic accomplishment for the team and a remarkable final chapter for Messi’s international career.
Clark’s interest in the final carries deeper roots than casual fandom. Before becoming a basketball sensation, she was an accomplished soccer player during her freshman and sophomore years of high school, recording 26 goals and earning first-team all-state recognition in her debut season.
Time constraints ultimately forced Clark to abandon soccer at the high school level. Conflicts between spring soccer season and AAU basketball commitments, combined with obligations to USA Basketball, made continuing both sports untenable. “I loved soccer growing up, and I probably could have played in college, too, but it was hard in the state of Iowa,” Clark explained on the “Post Moves” podcast last month.
Despite her transition to basketball, Clark credits soccer with shaping her development as an elite athlete. The sport enhanced her footwork and spatial awareness, skills she has translated into her passing ability and court positioning in basketball. “Reading angles and getting your body in the correct angle, leading people on passing, putting the ball on the perfect spot where they can run onto — that helped me as a passer,” Clark said.
Clark will watch the World Cup final from home Sunday afternoon before returning to professional basketball Wednesday night when the Fever host the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
More Stories
Kevin Sorbo Says Goodbye to California, Credits Florida Move With Professional and Personal Growth
Brewers’ Chourio Reaches 20-Homer Mark for Third Time Before Age 23
Dan + Shay Confronted Breakup Fears During Career Peak Over Communication Breakdown