Good morning DC Footy Folks!

I’m in a particularly good mood today. My 30+ indoor soccer team won last night, the morning is crisp and perfect, and I am researching bars to go to this weekend to catch all of the action! My game plan is to be in Annandale, a Korean hub, for the South Korea vs Czechia game. Where are you all planning on catching the action this week?

How much is Lionel Messi’s presence at an Argentina friendly worth? We have the dollar amount (USA Today)

“[…] Argentina agrees to a financial penalty of $250,000 if Argentina star player Lionel Messi does not attend Event as part of the team.” to quote famous rapper, Jay-Z, “I’m not a business man; I’m a BUSINESS, MAN!”

American soccer’s stigma: Can USMNT’s World Cup change it? (ESPN)

Ted Lasso did not help with the image of Americans and soccer in Europe (just ask Jesse Marsch about his time at Leeds), but maybe if the USMNT make a deep run at this World Cup, that perception may start to change for the better.

Loudoun United Takes ‘Virginia Derby’ with 2-0 Win (Loudoun Now)

Of note to DCU fans, Jordan Farr arrived on loan to Loudoun and played in the win over the weekend.

Somali referee denied entry to US for World Cup: official (Yahoo! Sports)
Omar Arten was selected as the best referee in Africa. He has previously officiated the AFCON final. Hopefully this is rectified quickly.

FIFA will now allow water bottles in World Cup stadiums after backlash – but not yet in Mexico (The Athletic)

Shame on FIFA (how many times will we say that this summer?) for trying to monetize every single aspect of the tournament. Thankfully a chorus of boos changed their minds.

Spirit Alum News: Chloe Ricketts had to undergo surgery on her ankle. Fortunately it looks like she’ll only be out for 45 days at most while the league is on a month long break.

Lionesses have no reason to panic despite the humiliation in Spain (The Guardian)

A reminder that there is World Cup qualifying going on on the women’s side today. England will likely have to go through via the playoff system after their loss to Spain last week.

Emma Hayes: USWNT squad must be ‘tougher’, escape comfort zones ahead of Brazil rematch (ESPN)

Finally, don’t forget that there is a USWNT game on tonight at 8:30 pm EST! They are trying to exact revenge for their defeat over the weekend.

That’s all from me folks! See you in the comments!