Spanish soccer legend blocked from entering the US as appeal is sent to Donald Trump before the World Cup final
Spain is getting ready to face Argentina in the World Cup final this Sunday. Lots of fans from both countries are trying to get tickets for the big game. But one Spanish legend from the 2010 winning team has hit a big problem—he was denied entry to the United States.
La Roja are hoping to win their second World Cup and add to their four European Championship titles. Argentina, who have won the World Cup three times, want to become only the third team in history to win back-to-back tournaments, joining Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.
Joan Capdevila, a 2010 World Cup winner, really wants to watch the match and cheer on Spain if they can stop Argentina from winning their fourth title. But unfortunately, he was denied entry to the U.S. because his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was rejected.
Capdevila reached out to Donald Trump on X (formerly Twitter) asking for help. He wrote, “I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump! They told me I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA was denied. I was so excited to be there with my 2010 teammates and cheer for the team. I can’t believe I won’t be allowed into the U.S. and will miss this moment with my kids who love soccer. If anyone knows how to fix this, I’ll be forever grateful.”
Capdevila played every minute in Spain’s 2010 World Cup win. Coach Vicente del Bosque trusted him to play left-back in a defense that only let in two goals during the whole tournament—and both were in the group stage. He was the only starter in that final not playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona. Capdevila was known for his hard work and stamina, running 71.79 km and being one of the top players in distance covered during the competition.