To have so much passion for something. I am envious, and I could have afforded the trip and ticket, I think. But the passion! Enjoy Jose!
4
"Ladies love the sombrero"- Be careful. President,Mr.Trump always keen on the news in the NYT. The merchants of sombrero from Mexico may try to win the heart of Mr.Trump to ease the restrictions for entry at the US-Mexico border .
If Mr.Trump declares, "Every American lady gets a free sombrero
as a special gift from Mr.Trump", it could heighten his rating
among women.
1
This was a great story! I plan on going to the world cup in 2026 and maybe even in 2022, if I'm lucky! I thought it was amazing how he got there and how by chance he was able to get into a game!! For every true soccer fan, this is a dream come true, no matter what the journey!
6
Such a great article , Viva Mexico !!
8
These are the people were trying to keep out?
6
He is an American citizen.
2
Diaz is a United States citizen. It's his family we're trying to keep out (for no good reason).
14
so whats your point?
1
His story is full of inconsistencies. How did he get a Fan ID without a world cup ticket? Without this document you are not allowed visa free entry to Russia or access to the stadiums.
He probably had the ticket to the Mexico-South Korea game before traveling to Russia and with it applied for the FAN ID and the rest of the story is pure fiction.
I was in the Mexico-Germany match in Moscow and half the Mexican fans had sombreros.
Makes for a good story though!
2
Wait?
He's a US Citizen, according the the SJW's his hat is "Cultural Appropriation"?
1
What appropriation? He is a US citizen of Mexican descent, of which there are millions.
6
The beauty of being in your 20s... and Mexican to boot!
10
Inspiring, what you can do when you set your mind to it. Go, Jose! Now, let's see what he can do if he sets that mind to something a little more productive...
2
Kind of crazy, but it is inspiring to read this! Whether people agree or disagree with the fact that he sought help from a homeless shelter, let's not judge if people truly need a bed and food from a shelter because we are in 'Merica, so everyone should be able to have a job, right? Everyone has their freedom to choose, and if opportunities are available, why not take them.
3
And he was homeless at the time!
4
Putin massacres civilians in Syria and murders civilians over Ukraine. Mexico is among THE five dangerous countries in the entire world due to drug trafficking into the United States, the world's greatest drug consuming country. I suppose escapism is what is needed to fix the world's problem. And pro sports, because it requires no actual thinking.
So someone in college, living with his father (thus having a home and food presumably) in Mexico travels to the U.S, takes a bed in a homeless shelter along with his brother, takes advantage of the system--including free meals at said shelter to earn money to get to the World Cup is being celebrated?
The reporter just glossed over it all like it was nothing, stunning. Keep it classy Jose. Karma is bound to sink this opportunist and his team soon.
Yes, Wonderful. But how do we send $10 to this enterprising youngster Diaz?
11
Kind of disgusting that he abused the resources of a homeless shelter to save money for a silly trip like this.
4
Bravo, Jose Ramon. Always follow your dreams.
You are an amazing young man and I pray that you get to see the World Cup Final with Mexico. Forty five years ago I went to Egypt because I just had to see it. The U.S. had no diplomatic relations but I managed to get there. I found wonderful people who were very kind to me. To this day, I remember my first sight of the pyramids.
Live your life. Viva Mexico!
21
What a great story. It really put a smile on my face. :-D Hopefully Mexico will make it to the final match and Diaz will be there to witness it.
23
I really needed this story. Wonderful to read about a young man following his dream.
36
Having grown up in Mexico, it always amazes me how in a country where the average household income is around $8,400 USD per year, they account for 90% of the fans in a world cup match where they are playing - in Russia no less!
No doubt, this is a tremendous financial sacrifice for many of these fans which lies beyond my comprehension (even though I could easily afford to go to any world cup match, I have other priorities in life). I believe it is a way to escape the dread of everyday life in a country which still struggles with deep class inequality, corruption, and crime. At least once every 4 years, they are in a place where only joy and excitement can take all that away... if only for a while.
Anyway, to each his own and "Vamos Mexico!!!!!"
16
So, this man wants to save up money to fly across the globe to watch soccer matches for a few weeks, and, to do so he "procured beds at a homeless shelter" for himself and his brother? That is disgusting. Shame on him for using a resource intended for the truly destitute and needy.
8
A little envy of youthful enthusiasm, and clever determination ? smile.
oh...& you have donated to your local homeless shelter, right?
10
I’m a little torn. Youth & enthusiasm are great things. It’s great to see the world with only a rough plan. On the other hand, homeless shelters have enough burden to serve those without a place to turn, rather than subsidize travel dreams. If he’d couch surfed for two months instead, I’d be all in his youthful quest to see the World Cup
18
He war working while he did this. More productive than most young men his age.
5
Have a great time José! Go Mexico!
31
wow....such carefree attitude towards life. am happy for him.
15
In a time of political discord worldwide, this story brought a smile to my face. Humanity will win in the end.
48
I always associate the sombrero with Pancho Villa - the Mexican Revolutionary - so it's fun to read that it's now moved from the arena of armed combat to the football arena.
14