Spain beat Argentina 1-0 yesterday. Extra time goal. The better team won on the day.
Before the final whistle had settled, Ronaldo fans were already celebrating.
Not because they support Spain.
Because Messi lost.
I have been in this debate for fifteen years. I am part of it. As a Manchester United supporter most people can already guess where I stand and they are probably right.
I know how loyalties form because I remember exactly when mine did.
26th May 1999. Ten years old in Ndola. Manchester United losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich with the clock running out. No reason to support United. No family tradition. No friend who dragged me in.
Then Sheringham. Then Solskjaer. Two goals in three minutes.
Twenty-six years later I am still here. Through the titles and the embarrassments and the managers who had no business being there. Loyalty does not care about evidence. If it did, mine would have packed up a long time ago.
I wrote about that night here if you want the full story.
Yesterday Spain were champions. Messi fans were devastated. Ronaldo fans were sending memes. I have my view and I have shared it.
Today the debate continues exactly where it left off.
Not because that is how it should be.
Just because that is how it is.