My first soccer World Cup memory was watching Argentina’s Diego Maradona arrogantly juggling the ball on his shoulders, before the opening game of the Italia 1990 World Cup.

I watched the grainy television in Ghana, as star-studded Argentina suffered a shocking defeat to underdog Cameroon but still went to the final, eventually losing to Germany. I cheered on Cameroon, who surprised many by reaching the quarter finals, led by the 38-year-old legend Roger Milla, who danced, shaking his hips by the corner flag after scoring his goals. The Milla dance became famous in Ghana. From that tournament, I developed a special affection for Maradona, despite his personal troubles, considering him the greatest-ever soccer player. These memories stay with you forever even as another World Cup beckons with excitement, to be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Soccer over the years has been more than a game for me. It has been a companion, a comfort and a teacher.

It is soccer in America but football in most parts of the world. It is the most popular sport worldwide, but has been playing catch-up and slowly gaining ground in the U.S. It is easily accessible to many, including to the poorest, and a ticket out of poverty for many players. America being a melting pot of many nations has helped grow the sport here, especially among........

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