SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: San Diego Wave FC forward and USWNT star Alex Morgan has extended an intriguing invitation to pop sensation Taylor Swift to attend a "real football game."
Some critics online argue that the invitation would have sounded more attractive had the USWNT not faced a disappointing outcome at the 2023 World Cup.
USWNT star Alex Morgan invites Taylor Swift to attend 'real football'
The light-hearted exchange, which came on the heels of rumors linking Swift to Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, has captured the attention of sports and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Kelce earlier made headlines by inviting Swift to his games and playfully challenging her to compare the electrifying atmosphere of Arrowhead Stadium with her own stage performances.
"I threw the ball in her court and, you know, I told her, ‘I’ve seen you rock the stage at Arrowhead and you might have to come see me rock the stage at Arrowhead and see which one is a little more lit,'" Kelce gushed during an interview.
However, Morgan has entered the fray with an offer of her own. Fresh off the San Diego Wave's regular-season finale, Morgan said in a presser, "There's an open invitation, always. American football games are fun, but real football is even more fun." The sentiment was echoed by her teammate Jaedyn Shaw, who said, "Exactly."
However, Swift's longstanding support for the USWNT is well-documented. Her connection with the team dates back to the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup victory, during which she invited members of the squad to join her on-stage while touring for her '1989' album.
Swift's influence in the world of soccer extends even further, as she played a prominent role in unveiling the USWNT's 2023 World Cup roster, sharing the stage with notable figures like Shaquille O'Neal and Lil Wayne during the announcement.
What happened during World Cup 2023?
The USA's dream to clinch World Cup 2023 was brutally shattered as Sweden pulled off a stunning upset, knocking them out of the tournament through an intense penalty shootout in August.
The events of that night left even the team's manager in tears during the subsequent press conference. The team had maintained an unbroken streak of reaching the semi-finals in every World Cup prior, and it was expected that the tried-and-true strategies and players would prevail.
When renowned player Megan Rapinoe stepped up for the fourth US penalty, a potentially triumphant moment in her last appearance for the national team, it appeared as though a victory was in the cards. However, her kick flew above the post.
Internet users mocked USWNT star Morgan's invitation. A user stated, "Lol that trash we saw at the women's world cup? Sure." Another added, "O god here they go, trying to guilt another celebrity into going to a women’s sporting event," read a tweet.
"Would have more legitimacy if the USWNT didn't completely sh*t the bed at the World Cup...," mocked a user.