Happy Hour: Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Ultimate World Cup Debate

Summary

Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World

Episode: Happy Hour: Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Ultimate World Cup Debate
Host: Kennedy
Guest: Maria Isabel Parotta (Sports Content Creator)
Date: June 12, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this lively "Happy Hour" edition, Kennedy welcomes sports content creator Maria Isabel Parotta just as World Cup fever descends on North America. The pair set aside alcohol in favor of soccer passion, delving into everything from sky-high ticket prices and USA team hopes to the perennial debate: Messi or Ronaldo? With their trademark wit, pop culture references, and honest opinions, Kennedy and Maria celebrate the unifying power of sports, the quirks of fandom, and the athletes who inspire both on and off the field.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

World Cup Anticipation and the US as Host

• Both speakers express excitement about the World Cup finally returning to the U.S., with Kennedy noting, “We've been waiting for this for years. Finally, it is back in North America” (00:29).
• Maria shares her background as a multi-sport content creator, overcoming post-pandemic industry obstacles by forging her own career (01:27).

The Price Tag of the World Cup

• Maria’s media credentials were denied, leading her to buy a face-value ticket for $3,500:

  “I paid FIFA $3,500 … for one ticket. And I mean, that's not cheap.” [Maria, 04:09]

• Both agree ticket prices are exorbitant compared to other events — even Taylor Swift concerts — sparking concerns over accessibility for average fans (03:06–04:23).

Fandom, Team Spirit, and Pick-Your-Country Advice

• Kennedy and Maria recommend fans pick a team—any team—to really enjoy the World Cup atmosphere, regardless of their background:

  “Pick a team, you have to be loyal … vibe with the people.” [Maria, 04:48]

• Kennedy’s family is supporting Curacao due to a memorable vacation and the country's World Cup debut (04:28).

Building the US Soccer Narrative

• Discussion of the US Men's National Team (USMNT):

  “The United States is going to surprise a lot of people … combination of old talent and new talent.” [Maria, 05:52]

• Kennedy emphasizes the potential of soccer to unite Americans across their usual sports divides (06:41):

  “Sports is the one thing ... where we can actually be unapologetically excited together. And the enthusiasm is infectious.” [Kennedy, 07:49]

Messi vs. Ronaldo: The Ultimate Debate

• The hosts dissect their personal feelings about the two football legends:
  • Kennedy: “I was rooting against France because I wanted Messi to have a World Cup … I feel like Ronaldo is a sellout … just rubs me the wrong way.” (09:43–10:02)
  • Maria: “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of my favorite players … I want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in his last World Cup.” (10:21–10:35)

Global Favorites, Underdogs, and Notable Players

• Maria is excited about Morocco as a dark horse (09:15), while both praise France and Mbappé as perennial favorites (09:17–09:35).
• They bemoan heavyweights like Italy and Brazil not living up to legacy expectations, share love for national fan cultures (Albania, Greece, and Venezuela among those discussed) (14:52–16:16).

The Joys of Soccer and National Pride

• The discussion returns repeatedly to the power of sports—especially global events—to forge pride and unity:

  “People are genuinely stoked on their countries.” [Kennedy, 15:10]

• Kennedy’s affection for global soccer history is revealed in playful family anecdotes:

  “If she were born four years ago, I would have named her Mbappe … if she were a boy, I would have named her Maradona.” [Kennedy, 16:32–16:47]

Looking Ahead and Making a Pact

• The hosts agree to reconvene after their respective World Cup matches to compare experiences and (maybe) finally enjoy a celebratory drink together (16:58–18:20).

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Notable Quotes

“Athletes are so disciplined. Yeah. It's amazing what they do.”
— Maria Isabel Parotta (02:32)

“The best way people can enjoy the World Cup is picking a team, whether you go to a game … like, you have to pick a team, you have to be loyal.”
— Maria Isabel Parotta (04:48)

“Sports is the one thing, it's the one area where we can actually be unapologetically excited together. And the enthusiasm is infectious.”
— Kennedy (07:49)

“I feel like Ronaldo is a sellout … like, there's something about him that just rubs me the wrong way … Messi seems like a down to earth, like, working class … Ronaldo seems like a pretty boy who just looks in the mirror and plucks his stray eyebrow hairs.”
— Kennedy (09:51–10:02)

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of my favorite players … I want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in his last World Cup.”
— Maria Isabel Parotta (10:21–10:35)

“People are genuinely stoked on their countries. That's what I love about the World Cup more than any other sporting event.”
— Kennedy (15:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:25] Introduction and Maria’s career journey
• [03:40] Ticket price discussion
• [04:48] Advice for how to pick a team as a fan
• [05:40] Who to watch on the USMNT
• [06:41] The role of soccer in American sports culture
• [09:15] Teams and players to watch (Morocco, France, Mbappé)
• [09:40] Messi vs. Ronaldo opinions
• [14:52] Teams and fanbases missed at this World Cup
• [16:21] Soccer legends, family anecdotes
• [16:58] Plans to reconvene after matches

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Tone and Format

The discussion is light-hearted, high-energy, and accessible—with plenty of humor, pop culture sidebars, and heartfelt advice for fans old and new. Kennedy’s irreverent banter keeps the conversation moving, while Maria brings deep knowledge and infectious soccer enthusiasm.

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Summary for Listeners

Didn’t catch this episode? You’d leave with a keen sense of why the World Cup matters—beyond Ronaldo vs. Messi—and practical advice for diving into the spectacle, wherever you find yourself. This isn’t just a debate over legends; it’s a celebration of sports as a force for joy and unity, US soccer’s growing presence, and the shared experiences and stories that make the World Cup truly global. If you’re feeling priced out or team-less, Kennedy and Maria will help you pick your colors and join the party.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Hi, and welcome to this episode of Kennedy Saves the World. And it's Friday, it's happy hour, and we are finally on the cusp of the World cup starting. We have been waiting for this for years. Finally, it is back in North America, in the United States, here in the New York area. And I'm joined by sports content creator Maria Isabel Parotta. Maria, welcome to Kennedy Saves the World.

[C]

Thank you for having me. Cheers. Cheers. Mm. The biggest.

[B]

This is non alcoholic, just so you know.

[C]

I love it.

[B]

Because they said, you don't want booze.

[C]

No, I.

[B]

So I'm. I said, I'm not gonna get Maria Isabel drunk. She can be drunk on her love for soccer.

[C]

Yes. I cannot drink. Imagine if I drink every night I go out to watch a sporting event.

[B]

Oh, yeah. No, you'd be a zombie in the

[C]

morning, and then I wouldn't be productive.

[B]

No, but you have been productive for quite some time. You've been in sports for years now, working for some very impressive teams.

[C]

Yes, Yes. I started my career, I will say, like, four years ago, but I graduated college five years ago. Brooklyn College.

[B]

Nice.

[C]

During pandemic, there was not many jobs in sports and broadcasting, so you had

[B]

to make your own.

[C]

I made my own and it worked.

[B]

And what's your favorite sport? Is soccer your favorite sport?

[C]

No. Everybody asks me this, but I don't have a favorite. Good.

[B]

That's good. Because you. You can cover any sport.

[C]

Yes. Like, if I'm watching the Knicks, I'm in love with the Knicks. If I am in a soccer game, I love the fans, you know, I love the enthusiasm, I love the energy they bring. And the athletes teach us so many things that we can apply for real life.

[B]

I think athletes are the biggest celebrities in the world.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I think people go crazier for athletes than actors or musicians. I think it goes athletes, musicians, then actors.

[C]

And I don't think they get like.

[B]

And influencers are somewhere in the middle, depending on the moment.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And who they are.

[C]

I mean, athletes are so disciplined. Yeah. It's amazing what they do.

[B]

So what is your biggest concern about

[C]

the World cup price?

[B]

It's gonna be expensive, right?

[C]

It is very expensive. Personally, my media credentials were denied. What? And I was very.

[B]

That's an outrage.

[C]

Now it's very, very sad. I Cry a few times. The Knicks help, but I can see myself in the fan position. You know, these prices are very, very, very, very expensive. Yeah.

[B]

So I think a lot of people thought after Taylor Swift's tour, prices would come down because there were a lot of people who wanted to go see Herrera's tour, and the prices were so high because demand was so high. And they thought, especially with World cup, like, the entire world is going to be coming to the United States and we can't box the world out.

[C]

But the thing is that I'm a Taylor Swift fan, too. And the prizes were overpriced because of the resellers, but the face value were not overpriced.

[B]

They were supposed to have the kind of pricing that didn't allow resellers to grab them and just gouge everybody.

[C]

Yeah. But this time with FIFA, it's like the face.

[B]

I have no free market. I love you. I still love you.

[C]

The face value on FIFA is insane. I paid. I'm going to watch Colombia, Portugal, for sure, in Miami, and I paid FIFA $3,500.

[B]

For one ticket or for where?

[C]

No, for one ticket. Wow. And I mean, that's not cheap.

[B]

Do you have insane seats?

[C]

I do have front seats. I'm not paying 3,500. No splits. That's not happening. Some people are, but, yeah. And it needs face value. It's not resale. It's nothing like that. So it sucks.

[B]

You know, we're gonna go see Curacao, Cote d'. Ivoire.

[C]

Oh, nice.

[B]

Yeah. Really?

[C]

Who are you rooting for?

[B]

Curacao. We spent New Year's there, and it was really fun, and everyone there was such a great vibe that I was like, yeah, this is a lovely country with really nice, creative, embracing people. And so we wanted to get tickets to a match. So I'm definitely going to that. We'll see about these.

[C]

I think the best way people can enjoy the World cup is picking a team. Whether you go to, like, a game,

[B]

like, the United States of America. Maria, Isabelle, let's go.

[C]

Let's go. Yes. Like, you have to pick a team, you have to be loyal, and. And if you go to a game that is not your team, pick a team and, like, you know, vibe with the people.

[B]

We tried to get Curacao jerseys in Curacao. They were sold out.

[C]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Because everyone there, it's their first time in the World cup, so everyone there is so excited. It's a teeny, tiny country. Obviously, they have a lot of soccer talent.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

So that's very exciting. So tell me about the men's team. Like everyone knows Christian Pulisic. Pulisic, however you say his last name. But there are some new players. Who should we be excited about? So I say pick a player. If you're going to pick a team, then pick a player or two. So who should people pick if they don't know anything about soccer?

[C]

Oh my gosh. I mean Pulisic is, is very big.

[B]

He's Captain America.

[C]

He's Captain America. He's very. He knows it too.

[B]

Yeah, that's right.

[C]

But I mean they're a very exciting team. The thing about the United States is that it's a combination of old talent and new talent. And I said this when they revealed the roster that the United States is going to surprise a lot of people. Like people underestimate them because you know, they have not been too good demand side. But I think they're going to surprise a lot of people. They're last friendly, they did really good and they play, they switch goalkeepers. The head coach is trying to like the try everybody out. And that's a good signal, you know, because that means that the head coach is not set on one on 11 players. Okay, so I really like that.

[B]

So I see on X a lot of people hating on soccer still. Oh, that drives me crazy. I love soccer, so I want you to love soccer. Don't go with the angry mob who is telling you it's like hating billionaires. You should want to be a billionaire. We should want to be a soccer embracing country because it's. Here's the difference. A lot of people think if you like soccer then you can't like all of the other staples of American sports, football, basketball, baseball, obviously hockey, because we're so much better than the Canadians. Now we can add soccer to one of the jewels in our beautiful sporting crown.

[C]

Yes. I mean I love all sports. I didn't grow up watching all sports. But it's having like the open mind. And like now with the Knicks, I said if New York was a country, the Knicks were the national team. Because that's what a national team does. It unites the team, brings everyone together,

[B]

gives you something to be excited about.

[C]

Yes. It doesn't matter how nice is that

[B]

like politics, so much in culture is just about getting you angry. Because that's the only way people can get attention is if you're angry, you make them angry. You get them to like you and share your anger, which is exhausting. And sports is the one thing, it's the one area where we can actually be unapologetically excited together. And the enthusiasm is infectious.

[C]

Yes. I said, like, you know how excited we are that the Knicks are in the NBA finals. That's how excited the people of each country is that they are in the World Cup. It means that much.

[B]

Isn't that wild?

[C]

Oh, my God, they've been missing, like, eight years already.

[B]

That's nuts.

[C]

It's crazy because you think Italy, you think World cup soccer, but they're being so bad.

[B]

And wine. Maybe they were drinking too much wine and eating too much pasta before their games.

[C]

I don't know. I mean, every team always passes through this time of, like, transition and, you know, they can miss one World cup or something, but they're missing a couple already.

[B]

Don't go anywhere more. Kennedy Saves the World right after this.

[D]

Cheers to America's 250th birthday. Get 20% off your first purchase at foxnewswineshop.com with code FNRADIO20. 20% discount excludes wine club offers and cannot be combined with any other promotion. Expires July 31, 2026. Must be 21 or order to order. Please drink responsibly.

[B]

Who is the team to watch? Who are you really excited about?

[C]

Morocco.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

I think. I mean, France is really good. France can play.

[B]

France is always good.

[C]

France is so good.

[B]

I think I love Mbappe.

[C]

Oh, he's so good. Oh, Real Madrid fans do not like Mbappe. Some people don't.

[B]

I know. I wanted to see him when he was on psg, but I didn't get over to Perry. Now you have to go, Mbappe.

[C]

Now you have to go.

[B]

I was happy to see them lose to Argentina, though, last time around, and I was just in Argentina.

[C]

Wait, you were rooting for Argentina?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I was ready against France because I wanted Messi to have a World Cup.

[C]

Oh, okay, so now you want Cristiano Ronaldo to have a World Cup?

[B]

No, he doesn't need one. He's. No, he's. He's full of himself. And he's a pretty boy. There's something about him that drives me crazy. And I feel like. I feel like Renato is a sellout. Like, there's something about him that just rubs me the wrong way.

[C]

Really.

[B]

He has enough in life. Like, Messi seems like a down to earth, like, working class. I know. He's pretty much a billionaire, like, decent, solid family guy. Renato seems like a pretty boy who just looks in the mirror and plucks his stray eyebrow hairs.

[C]

He has a Beautiful family, too. He loves his family. You know the reason I also paid that much money? Because he was against Portugal. And Cristiano Ronaldo is one of my favorite players.

[B]

Are you Portuguese?

[C]

No, I'm Colombian.

[B]

And you're rooting for Portugal.

[C]

No, I'm not rooting for Portugal. I'm rooting for Colombia. But I want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in his last World Cup.

[B]

It's the perfect match for you. And he's going to propose to you.

[C]

Of course not. He already proposed to Georgina. She's amazing, too. I love her. But, yeah, I mean, it's the perfect match for me. I'm Colombian. And then. And then Cristiano Ronaldo is my favorite player.

[B]

Well, I hope Colombia beats Portugal. Portugal has had enough. They're fine.

[C]

They haven't won the World cup, though.

[B]

I don't feel bad for them. Neither is the United States. The women have.

[C]

That's true.

[B]

And, you know, everyone. Everyone downplays the women. The women get their turn next year.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I mean, they. They won gold at the Olympics. Are they gonna have the same coach next year for the women's national team that they did for the Olympics?

[C]

I hope so. I think so.

[B]

Australian lady.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I like her.

[C]

Yeah, she's really good.

[B]

She's inspiring.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Because she's positive and cool and nice and fun and multi diverse, too. Yeah.

[C]

She spoke Spanish the other day in telemenundo, and people were like, wow, you speak Spanish.

[B]

Yeah. I love her even more.

[C]

Yeah, I like it. I hope the momentum that we have of the Men's World cup translates to the women's and everything.

[B]

Do you think the US Is going to get out of the group stage? How is their group stage? Is it competitive?

[C]

I think. I think they are. I think they are. I am really. I'm really positive that the US Is going to surprise a lot of people. Yeah. Yeah. I love it.

[B]

How far do you think they'll go? I was here in 94 when they played. It was exciting.

[C]

How was it?

[B]

I loved it. It was awesome.

[C]

Does it feel the same? And energy.

[B]

No, it's way more.

[C]

Is way more. Now there's.

[B]

Yes, but. Because I think World cup excitement is. Is combining with the 250 excitement.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

And, you know, people are genuinely, like, stoked. And I know there are a lot of people, like, I wish more people were excited about 250. It's like, get excited, be excited about 250 World Cup. And. And together they make this, like, massive cloud of excitement.

[C]

There's going to be a Huge. Tough. There's going to be a huge World cup celebration on July 4th in Philadelphia. That's the soccer game. I want to go to that game. But yeah, I mean, I'm excited. You know, they. Some. Some USA fans said I want anyone but England to win, because imagine England winning the World cup in the U.S. yeah, that would.

[B]

That would suck. The U.S. already lost in the World Baseball Classic to Venezuela, which was fine. Can I tell you what's in the drink?

[C]

Yeah, of course.

[B]

Do you like it?

[C]

I love it.

[B]

I do, too. Okay, so this is very simple. So if you are looking for a mocktail for the summer, something that you can sip when you're outside with friends and not get drunk because you have to work the next day, or you're just going alcohol free for the summer, which is fine. I muddled chopped strawberries and fresh mint, and then I sprinkled a little Splenda on it, because that is my secret, because I like sweet drinks. I don't want any aspartame after listening to Michael Malice. And Splenda is my sweetener of choice if I don't use stevia. And then I added the strawberry lemon poppy soda, so it's a prebiotic soda, so it's good for your gut. And then I filled that about halfway, and then the rest is just club soda.

[C]

I love it. Can't wait to try it. Yes, it's really good.

[B]

And it's good for your skin and your bones and your liver. I'm making all that up. But I love, like, when influencers make mocktails and they're like, and now here's some electrolyte powder. And here's some collagen. Add collagen to it. I don't care. Have fun. Like, mix whatever you want in there.

[C]

Have fun. It's summer.

[B]

Amen.

[C]

It's summer in this World cup summer.

[B]

And it's funny because this is kind of like red, green, and white, which would be like Italian colors.

[C]

I feel if Italy was in the World cup, you will root for Italy.

[B]

I love Italy. I try and go every year. I went to Rome this year. Yeah, it was dope.

[C]

Yeah, I know. There are a lot of teams that I wish there were in the World cup just because they're fan. Fan base is amazing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Albania.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's so random. But Albanians, I saw them in the Euro Cup. They had like a huge population.

[B]

Massive. Yeah.

[C]

And it's. It's just nice to see everybody happy rooting. For one thing, it's nice to see people passionate for Something.

[B]

You seem to be happy and proud of your country. That's. That's a good thing. That's. That's what I love about the World cup more than any other sporting event, is people are genuinely stoked on their countries.

[C]

Yeah. So who else? Okay.

[B]

Albania? Italy.

[C]

Who else? Greece.

[B]

Oh, I love Greece. I have a soft spot for Greece.

[C]

They haven't been since 2014. I believe they played against Colombia. I think they're just a good fan base, but who else?

[B]

Great food, too.

[C]

Venezuela. They missed the World Cup. Yeah, it was Colombia's fault, too.

[B]

Well, you must be excited about that's. Got to be a big rival for you, though.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And Brazil. Like, do you want to see Brazil just go down in flames?

[C]

Honestly, Brazil's team is not too good this year. We don't have a lot of big expectations in Brazil because they have good players. They're very young, and in the last friendlies, they were not too good. So people are. Brazil is just like Italy. You know, you think Brazil, you think soccer. The best ones. I mean, they still have.

[B]

I say this every year. I have a child named Pele.

[C]

You do? Yes.

[B]

And I don't say Pele. She would probably ignore me for two weeks if I did that,

[C]

but.

[B]

Yeah, but if she were born four years ago, I would have named her Mbappe.

[C]

Oh, my God. You love Mbappe that much, huh?

[B]

Now, I always joke that if she were a boy, I would have named her Maradona.

[C]

Oh, my God. Who do you like more, Maradona?

[B]

Pele. Pele.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I love Pele the most. He's the best ever. Ever. Who else has won four World Cups?

[C]

No one else.

[B]

No one else. All right, so we have to compare notes after the match you go to in Miami and the match I go to in Philadelphia. And we have to have a trap toward the end of World Cup.

[C]

When is your match?

[B]

25 June.

[C]

Oh, mine is the 27th. Oh, yeah.

[B]

Okay, so after that, we'll get together. I will make you a drink with alcohol. Okay. Do you drink alcohol? Sometimes?

[C]

No, I do. I do. Sometimes My sketch is so packed.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So it's like, if I have a drink or two, the next day, I'm.

[B]

Okay. So if Colombia, the United States, or. Who else do we like? Curacao.

[C]

I like Germany and.

[B]

No. And Morocco. Like, if any of those teams do well, we will come back and we will have a drink, and I will.

[C]

I want to know why you hate Germany.

[B]

I know Germans will get really mad at that. Calm down. Everything's a joke. We're just having fun. Be excited about being German. I'm excited about Germany.

[C]

Explain that, being American.

[B]

And Maria Isabel? She's excited. She's got her USA World cup jacket on.

[C]

Well, I have more. I'm rooting for three teams. Colombia, USA and Germany.

[B]

Okay. So if Colombia or USA do well, we will party. Okay. Toward the end of World cup, you're coming back, madam. You promise?

[C]

Yes. And then I sketch. Okay. I'm going to have a drink and then.

[B]

Okay, good. Well, we'll do it like later in the day. The night before. You don't have to do something very important. Cheers to you, madam. And to all of sports and loving where you're from. Usa. This has been Kennedy Saves the World along with Maria Isabel Parada. I'm Kennedy. Listen ad free with a Fox News podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Prime. Members can listen to this show ad free on the Amazon music app. Oh, go ahead and leave me a review while you're there. I'd love to hear what you have to say. You've been listening to Kennedy Saves the World on the Fox News Podcast Network.