In 2023, the internet is still buzzing about the hilarious memes that came out of the 2018 World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea. The two teams faced off in the final group stage game, with Mexico needing a win to secure their spot in the knockout rounds. South Korea, already eliminated, played without pressure and ended up stunning Mexico with a 2-0 victory.
While the result was disappointing for Mexico fans, it sparked a wave of creativity on social media as users from both countries began to share memes poking fun at the game and the players involved. Here are some of the best ones:
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El Tri Goes Home
One of the most popular memes to come out of the game was a series of images that showed Mexico’s national team packing up their bags and heading home early. The images were accompanied by captions like “adios amigos” and “hasta la vista, baby,” playing on the stereotype of Mexicans being friendly and outgoing.
The meme quickly spread across the internet, with users from all over the world sharing their own versions. Some included images of other teams getting eliminated, while others used the same format to make fun of different countries or even celebrities.
The Son Heung-min Show
South Korea’s star player, Son Heung-min, was the hero of the game, scoring both of his team’s goals and leading them to victory. Unsurprisingly, he became a target for many of the memes that followed.
Some of the most popular ones featured Son photoshopped onto famous movie posters, with captions like “Son of a Gun” or “The Son Also Rises.” Others showed him as a superhero or a cartoon character, with exaggerated muscles and powers.
Disappointed Fans
Of course, not all of the memes were lighthearted. Many Mexico fans were understandably upset by the loss, and some took to social media to express their disappointment.
One popular meme showed a young boy crying while wearing a Mexico jersey, with the caption “this is how I feel right now.” Another featured a sad-looking Chicharito, Mexico’s star striker, with the words “I’m sorry, Mexico.”
The Aftermath
In the days and weeks following the game, the memes continued to pour in. Some were more creative than others, but all of them helped to keep the spirit of the game alive and give fans something to laugh about.
While the Mexico-South Korea memes will always be associated with the 2018 World Cup, they have taken on a life of their own and continue to be shared and enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of soccer or simply enjoy a good laugh, these memes are sure to put a smile on your face.
Responses from People Who Know It
“As a Mexican fan, I was obviously disappointed by the loss, but the memes that came out of it were hilarious. It was a great way to turn a negative into a positive and have some fun with it.” – Carlos, 29
“I’m not a soccer fan, but even I couldn’t resist the urge to share some of these memes on social media. They were just too funny to ignore.” – Emma, 25
“Son Heung-min is a national hero in Korea, so it was great to see him get the recognition he deserves in the form of all these memes. He’s such a talented player and a really nice guy too.” – Soo-jin, 34
“I think these memes are a great example of how the internet can bring people together and create something fun and positive out of a shared experience. It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a soccer game can inspire so much creativity and humor.” – David, 42
