Though I’ve been in Mexico for four months, I regret to say I’ve only played fútbol (ie. soccer) once.  It was a friendly intercontinental match; myself and three Mexicans, representing the Americas, took on a European crew comprised of a trio of Italians and a Spaniard.  I can’t remember who won, but I did actually score a goal.  Most of the time, I was chasing errant balls out into the parking lot so the game could continue.

 Zapatista spokesperson Subcomandante Marcos recently sent a letter to the Italian team with the following friendly challenge: "I write to you to formally invite you to a game of football between your team and the representative team of the EZLN at a date, place and time to be decided. Because of the affection that we hold for you, we're prepared to not overwhelm you with goals.” 

“You'll have to bring the ball, because all of ours are punctured,” Marcos added.  “We play with so-called ‘miner’s’ boots (they have steel toes, which is why they puncture balls).”

Inter Milan first initated a relationship with the EZLN last year, when it donated an ambulance and funds to support health and water projects in Zapatista communities.  Team Manager Bruno Bartolozzi visited Chiapas last June to present the donations, which included a letter of support from Team Captain Javier Zanetti of Argentina. 

"We believe in a better world, in an unglobalised world, enriched by the cultural differences and customs of all the people. This is why we want to support you in this struggle to maintain your roots and fight for your ideals," wrote Zanetti.

Bartolozzi stated that Inter Milan received the letter from the EZLN with “great happiness and full of emotions,” and that the team will accept the invitation.  Massimo Moratti, owner of Inter Mila, responded to Marcos’ request, writing “the people of Inter, like this football society, will try to always be close to you, exactly as you, with your example, are close to us. The game will truly be a simple and important moment. Every revolution begins from its own penalty area and ends in the opponent’s goalpost.

The two groups are currently discussing the specifics of the exchange, which will possibly entail one match in Mexico, and another in Italy.  In his usually playful fashion, Marcos stated that “according to our traditions and customs, the game is only over when none of the players on either team is left standing.” 

News of the solidarity match has been in headlines throughout Europe and Latin America, and can only serve to bolster support and interest in the EZLN’s struggle.