Kansas City students reflect on walking out with Argentina, Algeria before World Cup match

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A group of children from Kansas City’s Ryogoku Soccer Academy walked out with players during the city’s first World Cup match at Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead), standing alongside teams from Argentina and Algeria as part of a pre-match tradition on June 16.

The students — Isabella Barrera, Ignacio Soto, Ezequiel Carmona and Xavi Sanchez — were selected for the opportunity through an application process organized by Quaker Oats and Common Goal.

Students describe the experience

Ezequiel, whose father is from Argentina, said he walked out with Thiago Almada. Xavi said he walked alongside Riyad Mahrez of Algeria. Isabella said she walked with Luca Zidane, and Ignacio walked with Nahuel Molina.

“Wow. I almost cried,” Ezequiel said.

“It kinda all just happened really fast,” Isabella said. “A little nerve-wracking.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Xavi said.

Ignacio said he saw Lionel Messi during the match.

“It was awesome,” Ignacio said.

Academy director, families react

Brad Leonard, director of the Ryogoku Soccer Academy, said he helped secure the opportunity for the students.

“We applied for the opportunity through Quaker Oats and Common Goal,” Leonard said. “My hope is that it inspires them for the rest of their life.”

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Leonard added that some students were so moved by the experience that they said they would never wash their hands again.

Diego Barrera, Isabella’s uncle, said he purchased a ticket specifically to watch his niece walk out onto the field.

“That was surreal to me,” Diego said.

Ezequiel’s mother, Loreanne Campos-Carmona, said the moment will stay with her son.

“He’s never gonna forget that,” she said.

Xavi’s mother, Dalila Sanchez, reflected on how quickly the opportunity came together.

“Who would have thought that, even last year, we were gonna be doing all of this is just crazy,” Dalila said.

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Isabella’s grandmother, Silvia Barrera, said the students have a story to carry with them.

“To realize in the future. Wow, we were part of it,” Silvia said.

Ignacio’s mother, Brenda Soto, said the summer has been meaningful for the group.

“They’re living their best lives this summer,” Brenda said.

Community at the center

Diego Barrera said the academy’s involvement with Common Goal made the opportunity possible.

“Through the process we’ve always been doing community work and doing work with Common Goal,” Diego said. “We’re all one big family.”

Leonard said the experience points to what sports can offer beyond competition.

“Maybe you don’t become a professional soccer player, but there’s tons of ways to get involved with the game,” Leonard said.

“I think it can teach us to unite,” Xavi said.

“It’s made us come together,” Isabella said.

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