Every four years, we think the FIFA World Cup is only about football. But all it takes is a closer look to realize that it also speaks about democracy, inequality, institutions, leadership, and the rules of the game.

Football continues to generate collective identity in Brazil and Argentina, but media and political fragmentation have diminished its capacity to reinforce the legitimacy of the state.

In Latin America, football is not only played; it is lived and politicized. It unites nations, stirs passions, and also serves those in power.

Messi has been so politically correct throughout his career, meticulously avoiding any kind of political statement, that his acceptance as a global commodity has been natural.

In Latin America, soccer and politics are two passions that go hand in hand, despite all those who claim that they should not be mixed.

The World Cup in Qatar was marked by controversy. From the controversial awarding of the emirate as host to the living conditions of thousands of migrant workers, to the threats to the players in case they joined some demonstration.