Episode 540 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It’s All Gotten A Bit Messi)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over and Argentina have won a third title in what was an absolute classic final against France with Lionel Messi finally becoming a World Cup winner. Will this finally put an end to the boring Messi v Ronaldo debates? How will the tournament be remembered, where will it rank amongst the others, and how was it actually to be at it on the ground?

We chat about all of that and a lot more, as Zach gives us some insight as to what it was like to be at the tournament in aspects like ticketing, transportation, the weather, the stadiums, atmosphere, and merchandise as he regales us with tales of Arabian nights.

Plus a Flash Five of our favourite World Cup mascots, we round up the Whitecaps, MLS, and CPL News of the Week, and we continue our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.30: Intro
02.35: Argentina are World Cup champs again
20.09: Does this finally clear up the Messi v Ronaldo nonsense?
26.18: Where does this World Cup rank in the tournament's history?
34.35: Canada's World Cup - an on the ground perspective
64.50: Zach's Qatari tales - getting there, accommodation, conditions, opening ceremony
105.35: Zach's Qatari tales - getting around, ticketing, the stadiums, merch
134.12: How to go viral with a German flag
152.55: MLS and Whitecaps News of the Week
161.47: CPL News of the Week
168.16: Wavelength - USA Soccer Guy - Kick That Soccer Ball