Iran thanks Los Angeles for its “hospitality” in locker room note: “We leave with dignity”

Iran’s players left a handwritten note in the locker room after Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Belgium on the second day of the group stage of the World Cup being played in the United States, Mexico and Canada, in which they thanked Los Angeles for its “hospitality,” a city from which they are leaving “with dignity,” despite participating in the tournament “in the worst conditions imaginable.”

Amid the conflict in the Middle East, Iran has faced unprecedented restrictions for its two Group G matches in Inglewood, having to travel from its base in Mexico to the United States less than a day before the start of the matches and having to return immediately after them.

After the initial 2-2 draw with New Zealand, coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that Iran was the “most oppressed” team in the World Cup. And in his post-match press conference this Sunday, he added that the war in Iran and visa restrictions meant the team arrived at the tournament “in the worst conditions imaginable.”

However, Iran has two points and faces its last match against Egypt this Saturday in Seattle with the opportunity to qualify for the qualifiers for the first time in its history. “We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honor and we left with dignity,” read the message left in the locker room by the Iranian players.

“Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to all the Iranians who have put their heart, their voice and their soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes,” added the note handwritten by the Asian team, which also made reference to the attack on a school in Minab on the first day of the war with the United States. “May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations,” the message concluded.