For 11-year-old Alain Jimenez, the World Cup is more than a tournament. It’s a glimpse of a dream.
A dream that starts on fields like this one in Allentown.
“It brings me joy where I can put my emotions, like my effort and where I feel joy,” said Jimenez.
Alain’s parents were born in Mexico, a connection he proudly carries every time he watches the Mexican National Team.
“I wonder if I’m ever going to be there cause I want to be a soccer player and I also look at them and they inspire me,” said Jimenez.
And when he hears Mexico’s national anthem, something special happens.
“Happy and exciting… It makes my heart grow,” said Jimenez.
The players he watches today inspire the player he hopes to become tomorrow.
“I want the Mexican national team to win the World Cup because it’s part of my parents’ culture and I want to see my parents very happy,” he said.
But perhaps the most powerful moment comes far from any stadium.
His older brother, who has spent years helping him improve his game, shares a few words.
“One day you’re going to be better than me,” he said.
The tears come immediately.
Not because of a score.
Not because of a championship.
But because sometimes the people who inspire us most are standing right beside us.
For more World Cup stories, you can head to the World Cup section on wfmz.com.