Copa host Mexico sets world record for largest football lesson | OneFootball

The Zócalo, the main square of Mexico City, was transformed into a gigantic soccer field this Sunday, with more than 9,500 people gathering to set a Guinness World Record for the largest soccer lesson in the world.

The immense and iconic square, covered with synthetic grass, also became a gigantic Mexican flag formed by the participants—men and women of all ages—wearing green, white, and red shirts.

The previous record was 1,038 participants and was broken by citizens of one of the three countries, along with the United States and Canada, that will host the World Cup in the middle of the year.

“More than 9,500 people attended. They are officially amazing!” said Alfredo Arista, one of the Guinness World Records judges, as he validated the achievement.

The mass lesson was organized by municipal authorities amid the soccer fever that has taken over Mexico City—the same place where the opening whistle of the World Cup will sound on June 11.

The Zócalo was ready to break the record. A brief warm-up helped participants loosen up to the rhythm of lively music before the start of the lesson, which lasted 35 uninterrupted minutes—divided into six distinct blocks—one of the main requirements to validate the record.

“Step on the ball! Keep control! Go at your own pace!” encouraged the event instructor from an elevated platform. “And most importantly: don’t stop moving!” he urged.

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“Significant” Record for Mexico

Among those present were fans of the most popular sport, women kicking a ball for the first time, children dressed as soccer players, and people with physical disabilities.

“It’s the first time I’ve kicked a ball, but I’m enjoying it,” said Norma Estrello, 49, a cellist in a classical orchestra, to AFP.

Cristian Martínez, a 36-year-old office worker, came with his son because, according to him, soccer is “in the blood.” With the World Cup approaching, “this Guinness World Record is significant for the country,” he commented.

For Norma del Pilar, a 41-year-old student, the event was a “good opportunity” to try out this sport, which she doesn’t practice in her “day-to-day life.”

“Juggle the ball with each leg. Left, right!” ordered the instructor, leading the class and increasing the intensity under the scorching sun, while a light breeze occasionally made the monumental flag in the square flutter.

Almost 30 minutes after the start of the training, sweat was already streaming down many faces, and some paused for a moment.

But the notes of “Cielito Lindo,” the melody used to cheer on the Mexican team in the stands, injected energy into the thousands of improvised soccer players.

“Give me ten seconds, quickly!” asked the coach when the stopwatch finally hit 35 minutes. “That’s it, we did it! We did it! Mexico, Mexico!” the crowd celebrated.

*With content from AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.