Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. dread
    • ex. He felt dread before his first speech because he was nervous about speaking in front of many people.
  2. gather around
    • ex. The children gathered around the teacher to listen to her story.
  3. question
    • ex. Some people began to question the coach’s decision after the team lost the game.
  4. dazzling
    • ex. The singer had a dazzling career and won many awards.
  5. mark the end
    • ex. The graduation ceremony marked the end of four years of hard work.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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In October, Argentina said goodbye to soccer star Lionel Messi as he played his final game for the national team. The 39-year-old scored one goal and helped create two others in a 3-0 win over Benin. During his 21 years with Argentina, Messi scored 126 goals, won two Copa América titles, and helped his country win the World Cup. He announced last August 31 that he was retiring from international soccer.

Messi’s final game brought great dread and sadness to Argentina. More than 85,000 fans filled the stadium in Buenos Aires to watch him play. Tickets sold out in just 90 minutes. After the game, fans sang his name as his teammates gathered around him. Messi thanked the crowd and said he loved Argentina and would miss the fans. Many people thanked him for the happiness he had brought to their country.

Messi’s relationship with Argentine fans was not always easy. Some people once questioned his love for his country, but his dazzling success helped bring people together during difficult political and economic times. For many Argentines, Messi’s final game marked the end of an important part of their lives.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Sports Players and Retiring from Sports

  • Who is a sports player you admire? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think players should retire while they are still playing well or wait until they can no longer play well? Why? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can retired sports players continue to help their teams or countries? Discuss.

Sports Stars and Fans’ Relationship

  • Do you think sports stars have a responsibility to make their fans happy? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How can fans show their love and support for their favorite players? Discuss.
  • If you could meet your favorite sports star, what would you say to them, and why? Discuss.