Iran’s national football team left a message of gratitude in their SoFi Stadium locker room on Sunday, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality during the World Cup.
The gesture followed a 0-0 draw with Belgium, a result that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Los Angeles has served as the host city for both of Iran’s Group G matches so far.
The team has been commuting to the US for these fixtures from their base in Tijuana, Mexico, due to specific restrictions governing their stay in the country.
These limitations have also led to a number of Iran’s team staff and officials being barred from entry.
US officials have indicated that the squad’s travel arrangements remain under review, with ongoing discussions aimed at potentially easing some of the existing restrictions.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the handwritten note, which was released by Iran’s football federation.
“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.”
The note also thanked Iranian supporters who gave their “heart, voice and soul” for the team during the two matches and ended with a call for peace, respect and friendship among all nations.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the travel restrictions imposed on the side, saying the team has faced challenges no other side have had to endure.
Iran, who drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opener at SoFi Stadium, play their final group match against Egypt in Seattle.
The note came despite the Iranian national anthem being loudly booed again, this time before the Belgium clash.
The reaction added to the hostile reception for the team following a similar atmosphere before they played New Zealand in a gripping 2-2 draw.
The Fifa announcer at the stadium had asked fans to “applaud for peace,” but the response was relatively muted with just a smattering of noise in support of the message.
Iran began their World cup campaign just hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.
The team flew into the US last Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, touching down in Los Angeles just as a deal was announced to end the conflict.
Around 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium before the game, waving anti-Iranian government signs and flags. They said they did not want to attend the match as it would imply support for Tehran, as they protested against the country’s regime and its crackdown on pro-democracy protestors.
