Once every 4 years, Americans, including myself, get excited about soccer, or football, and pretend we know all about it.
To be honest, I find it’s easier to follow than American football.
Over the past few weeks since the tournament kicked off, I’ve seen more watch parties than actual holiday gatherings hosted in bars and restaurants across the city. New Yorkers aren’t even that into sports!
Winter may not be a bad time to host the World Cup after all especially since it’s been a tough year for businesses across the board and sports seem to help us get through anything a bit easier. Plus, it’s a safe conversation starter at work!
Although the U.S. had a sweet Cinderella story this year and made it pretty far, all eyes are on Argentina vs France on Sunday, including politicians and market watchers.
On top of the massive bragging rights and lucrative package, FIFA announced earlier this year they would allocate $440 million for prize money for the entire 2022 World Cup, with the runner-up earning $30 million and the final winner at $42 million.
This is a sweet bonus and pay grade from the previous World Cup in 2019 which is fitting for this time in history when soaring inflation is rampant across the globe. Except for Ronaldo’s deal, this is a hefty lump sum for most of us.
Although the annual income for residents in Qatar is equivalent to roughly the top 10% income in the states, everything still counts. After all, in order to be rich, you have to count everything, save more than you spend, and be vigilant about what goes in and out. It’s not what you earn, but rather what you keep that counts.
Being frugal, a minimalist and following stealth wealth is the way to go to depend on yourself and no one else in the long run, except for on a soccer team where you depend on each other to score.
Argentina’s Hopeful Economic Victory
Let’s zero in on Argentina, a country that is dealing with severe economic issues and governmental concerns with constant protests and demonstrations. The country couldn’t be on more shaky ground but what unites us all, no matter if it’s summer or winter, is soccer.
Tomorrow on Sunday, December 18th, Argentina’s national soccer team, the Albiceleste will be playing in the final match against France. Both teams are feeling the immense pressure on the global stage however, Messi has quite a lot on his shoulders in particular, not just from fans but also for the country to survive as a whole.
Surprisingly, the World Cup win doesn’t only add a badge of honor and recognition for the team in the history books, but for many countries who competed in the World Cup, winning a monumental popularized international event that only happens once every 4 years, similar to the Olympics, calls for celebration and a surprise free ‘premium’ economic boost in return.
According to residents and politicians of a participating country, during the World Cup, the country is in better, lighter, and more cheerful spirits when games like this are held, and to no surprise, feel even better if they advance to final rounds!
When you accomplish something, doesn’t life feel easier, clearer, and you start thinking before you speak? You become a different person even if nothing’s changed.
Folks in Morrocco who dealt with sky-high prices and economic concerns mentioned to reporters they let go of record inflation and their extraneous problems during the game.
A win for either France or Argentina won’t only be a temporary ego boost with bragging rights and extra booze sales to celebrate, but cheerful and reliable support in economic growth which will hopefully bump up GDP, likely portfolios, incomes, and better quality of life at least in the short term into 2023.
According to past matches and research from the University of Surrey, Morning Brew, and Bloomberg, countries that win the World Cup tend to enjoy anywhere between an extra 0.15–0.25% boost in the economy for the next two quarters after the big game which isn’t surprising given the good times don’t last forever such as free promo, booze, and elevated spirits across the nation!
I’ve always wondered, what if we chose to be 2–5% happier each day? Would the world look completely different and get more done?
Maybe a 4-day workweek and mandatory smiles would do the trick. I’m convinced it’s impossible to frown when someone is smiling anyways:)
Since the World Cup this time around is held in the winter, a few weeks before the new year, there’s a different energy in the air and ideally, the economic growth and boost in GDP for either nation will last into the new year.
Even if sales, exports, and production don’t rise as high as expected, an elevated moral and perspective may do the trick to fix a country’s woes for the better.
What better start to the new year than winning the largest sports tournament in the world? Sorry Americans, but soccer, a.k.a football in Europe is much more popular than the Super Bowl. Maybe one day football will earn the spotlight — as long as crypto isn’t the sponsor!
Argentina can benefit more from this temporary economic boost and most likely need it more than France as the country has been on particularly shaky ground politically and economically for months, if not years.
By the numbers, 40% of Argentinians are living on the poverty line and are struggling financially as political unrest is unfolding after Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was convicted of corruption. With annual inflation predicted to surpass 100%, is that even possible? On top, due to climate change effects, a severe drought is wreaking havoc on crops and exports across the country.
What a Boost in Economic Growth Really Entails
Besides adopting lighter spirits which surprisingly support virtually everything from equity prices to city streets, economic growth in Argentina would closely resemble rising exports with sales of the country’s classic original delicacies, not to mention, make things easier on the economic and political front.
Luckily, being happy is a choice and can make your life a bit easier through a simple mindset shift that’s completely free for all!
If you can brighten your day in some sort of way, even if it’s in the small ways, it can make a massive difference in anything you do, especially since most problems and challenges are figureoutable.
It’s whether or not you are patient, flexible, and mature enough to leave complaining, arguing, and derailed emotions behind and really get things done the lighter more upbeat, better way.
Enjoy the game everyone!