Brazilian soccer star Marta broke down in tears at a press conference on Tuesday, discussing her career and legacy, on the eve of what could be her final World Cup game. Brazil and Marta, third in Group F, face Jamaica on Wednesday in Melbourne and must win to qualify for the round of 16, after losing to France (2-1).
“When I started, there were no idols in women’s football,” she reminded reporters on the eve of the match against Jamaica, with tears in her eyes. “Now when I go out in the street, people stop me and parents tell me: My daughter adores you, she wants to be like you,” said the top scorer in the history of the World Cups, women and men alike. , with 17 achievements. Marta, 37, has already said she is playing in her sixth and final World Cup. “It’s logical that I’m delighted with this development because 20 years ago, in 2003, nobody knew Marta,” she added, recalling the progress made by women’s football.
In the event of a goal against Jamaica, a match that she could start on the bench like the first two matches, she would become the first footballer in history to score in six editions. Jamaica, currently second behind France, only needs a draw against the Brazilians to qualify for the round of 16. Still undefeated, it won the first game in its history in the World Cup by beating Panama (1-0), after drawing against France (0-0).
