LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – With the World Cup final set for Sunday, Lubbock residents have been gathering at Two Docs to watch the tournament, which has included Lionel Messi setting a new World Cup record for goals scored and Cape Verde making its first appearance in the competition.
Two Docs has served as the go-to destination for Lubbock soccer fans throughout the tournament. General Manager Taylor Swift said the atmosphere during watch parties has stood out.
“We’ve had a lot of camaraderie, it just shows how many fans there are here for the world’s greatest sport,” Swift said. “I grew up playing in this area and it was nice to see that there are continuations and new generations of people wanting to support soccer.”
Swift said the presence of players such as Messi and Kylian Mbappé has given fans something to look up to.
“The things that they’re seeing on TV, these heroes they’re seeing on the pitch are real life examples of what they can do with themselves,” Swift said.
The tournament has also drawn new fans to the sport. Attendee Armida said she has followed several teams throughout the competition.
“I’ve been rooting for just about all of the Spanish speaking countries,” Armida said. “I’m half-Mexican so I rooted for them too but, since Argentina has gone the furthest, I’ve been clinging with them.”
Swift said the international makeup of the fan base at Two Docs has been notable.
“We’re getting to see fanbases from all across the world,” Swift said. “We’re seeing folks root from their home country, root for people they just enjoy and of course, with some of the world’s greatest performers retiring after this cup, it’s been nice to kind of give that excitement and fever for those final rounds for them.”
Two Docs will host one more event for the tournament. Doors open at noon Sunday for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, capping a 39-day tournament.
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