Joan Capdevila, the former defender for the Spain national team, has successfully arrived in the United States to attend the World Cup final. His initial request for entry was denied a decade ago, following an exhibition match he played in Iran.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, they reviewed Capdevila’s request for entry and permitted him to enter the country this past Sunday.
Capdevila previously addressed President Donald Trump via social media, stating that his visa-free entry application had been rejected. He also reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and tagged Spain’s ministry of sport in his post.
In 2010, Capdevila played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at their first World Cup, participating in the finals against the Netherlands. Additionally, he was part of the squad that claimed the European Championship in 2008.
On Sunday, Spain will face Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, seeking to secure the nation’s second World Cup title.
Lionel Messi and Argentina aim to defend their title, striving for a fourth World Cup win in the prestigious tournament.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.