In the realm of soccer, the term “mascot” takes on a different meaning compared to its traditional usage in the U.S. Instead of representing a costume-clad figure, in soccer, mascots are typically young children who accompany players onto the field before matches.
So, when fans noticed that Saint West, the son of pop culture icons Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, served as the personal mascot for Lionel Messi during his 2024 MLS debut against the Los Angeles Galaxy, it sparked inquiries about the selection process for such roles.
The tradition of having mascots is relatively recent, starting either in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Some clubs offer this experience to junior fan club members at no cost, while others charge substantial fees for the privilege.
Typically, teams choose mascots from their own youth academies or, if a local youth club attends the game, those players may have the opportunity to escort MLS players onto the field. Sometimes, partnerships with local charities or youth organizations facilitate the selection process.
However, in this instance, Kardashian seemingly spared no expense to secure the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her son.
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This decision drew criticism from some fans who felt that the opportunity should have been given to a child who truly deserved it, rather than to someone born into wealth.
Critics argued that such experiences should be reserved for children whose lives could be positively influenced by the opportunity, rather than being perceived as privileges for the offspring of billionaires.
Despite the backlash, there were also defenders of Kardashian’s decision, pointing out that any parent, given the means, would likely do the same for their child if it was what they desired.
While it’s understandable that Kardashian would want to provide her son with unique experiences, the situation nonetheless raises questions about fairness and opportunity for all children involved.
