Spain's preparations for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final have been overshadowed by an unexpected setback after 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila revealed that he has been denied permission to enter the United States, forcing him and his children to miss the highly anticipated match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The former Spain defender had planned to reunite with his former national teammates as Spain prepares to face defending champions Argentina, who are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain, meanwhile, is aiming to lift its second World Cup trophy after its historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Capdevila disclosed on Friday that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application had been rejected, leaving him unable to travel to the United States with his family.
The 48-year-old turned to social media in search of help, making a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump. He also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain's Ministry of Sport, hoping his situation could be resolved before the final.
"I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!" Capdevila posted on X on Friday.
"They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied."
The former Villarreal and Deportivo defender said the decision had left him devastated, especially because he had been looking forward to sharing the occasion with both his former teammates and his children.
"Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 team-mates and this team to cheer them on.
"I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much.
"If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life."
Capdevila played a key role in Spain's golden generation that defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final in South Africa to secure the country's first world title.
The retired full-back had hoped to be part of the celebrations as Spain seeks to make history by winning a second World Cup crown. Instead, he now faces the prospect of watching the final from afar after his travel plans were halted by the visa decision.
His public appeal has drawn attention just days before one of the biggest matches in world football, with Capdevila hoping a last-minute solution will allow him and his family to travel to the United States in time for the final.