The next generation of soccer fans thrilled for incoming World Cup matches in KC

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- People of all ages are excited not only for the World Cup, but for it to be coming to Kansas City, Mo.

One place in the area where soccer stays alive is the Riverside Soccer Complex, home to the St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association. It’s where many youth from the area come to learn, compete, and grow in the ‘beautiful game’.

For those wondering about the game's popularity, many players on the St. Joseph Dawgs (under-10-year-old team) are excited about the game coming to Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium). One of the teams set to play in KC is Argentina, which won the last cup with superstar Lionel Messi.

One of the players, Jacob Ray, will attend in person when one of his favorite players comes to play.

“I'm really excited. Messi has been my favorite player, tied with Pele for a long time, and I really look up to him and see how it is,” Ray said.

Soccer, like many organized sports, is a way for parents and guardians to not only keep their children healthy but also teach them life lessons, as it has for Ray.

“(Soccer has taught me to) never give up, to always have teamwork, and push yourself, and you can. You can. Don't let other people say who you are. It's up to you.”

Some of the players will be watching from the comfort of their homes, it doesn’t take away the thrill and anticipation for young Jacoby Barr, who said he’s been waiting for this since he was six years old.

“I didn't know what it was. So this is the first time knowing what it is,” Barr said.

When getting his friends and classmates excited for the big games, he compares it to the big game most know about.

“I usually base it on how much the Super Bowl has”, Barr said when he started to explain.

The games begin on June 11 with Mexico taking on South America. Argentina will face Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16.