The FIFA World Cup continues to deliver memorable moments beyond the field, and this time, Matt Damon stole the spotlight. The actor was in Miami promoting The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated new film, when he attended the June 27 match between Colombia and Portugal at the city’s stadium alongside Colombian actor John Leguizamo.
Before kickoff, Damon sat down for an interview with Telemundo that quickly went viral. When the reporter asked whether his family had Lionel Messi jerseys or flags at home, the actor didn’t hesitate.
“Of course. He’s more important than I am,” Damon joked with a laugh, making it clear just how much the Argentine superstar is loved in his household.
He doubled down moments later, saying, “At my house, Messi is more important than me. Argentina is my team,” prompting laughter from everyone on set, including Leguizamo.
© CHRISTOPHER VICTORIOA nod to Colombia
Despite openly declaring his loyalty to Argentina, Damon made sure to show some love for his friend’s home country.
“Argentina is my team, but today it’s Colombia because my friend here is Colombian,” he said, effortlessly switching between Spanish and English.
© Alexander TamargoAccording to Argentina’s La Nación, Damon had already been playfully challenging Leguizamo before the interview, joking about who could cheer louder. Damon won the contest with an enthusiastic chant of, “Gooooal! Messi, Messi!”
How Matt Damon became an Argentina fan
Damon’s passion for Argentine soccer isn’t exactly a surprise. The actor has been married to Argentine-born Luciana Barroso since 2005. The couple met in 2003 at a Miami Beach bar where Barroso was working as a bartender.
Together they share three daughters, Isabella, Gia Zavala, and Stella. Damon is also the legal adoptive father of Alexia, Barroso’s daughter from a previous relationship.
© JOHN LAMPARSKIIt was Barroso who introduced him to Argentina’s soccer culture, eventually turning him into a devoted Boca Juniors supporter. Damon has even attended a match at the legendary La Bombonera stadium, an experience he once described as “the craziest thing” he’d ever witnessed at a sporting event.
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