UMVA has learned that the Iranian national football team left a heartfelt, handwritten note in their SoFi Stadium dressing room on Sunday, following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Belgium.
The emotional message, released by the Iranian football federation, reflected deep national pride and gratitude toward their hosts, while keeping their dreams of reaching the World Cup knockout stages alive under grueling logistical circumstances.
The 74-word note left on the locker room whiteboard struck a poignant chord, highlighting the resilience of the squad amid immense geopolitical strain, and expressed a fierce message of cultural unity and an explicit appeal for global harmony.
"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," the handwritten note read. "Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity."
The letter also extended deep gratitude to the passionate local Iranian diaspora who packed the stands, thanking every supporter who gave their "heart, voice, and soul" over the team's 180 minutes in California.
Crucially, the text featured the tags "#168" and "#Minab", a tribute to school children killed in a historic missile strike, and concluded with a plea that "peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations."
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Iranian team's gesture comes as they battle unprecedented off-pitch obstacles, including rigid travel limitations imposed by US immigration authorities, which have forced them to base themselves across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has fiercely criticized the environment, labeling his side the "most oppressed team in the World Cup," but the team's defiant gesture has sent a powerful message of hope and resilience.
Iran currently sit second in the group, with two points, and face a crucial final group clash against Egypt, which they must win to qualify for the next round.
