The grand victory parade for the four-time champions had come to an end, but the season was not over yet.
Head coach Lopetegui was about to announce the final World Cup squad for the Spanish national team. After that, the players would head to Spain's training base one after another for a two-week camp.
As part of the process, the players also had to film themselves while waiting for the squad announcement, so the moment they found out they had been selected could be recorded.
On June 11, Leo Lin casually switched on his camera and started recording.
He really wanted to pretend he had no idea, but Lopetegui and the coaching staff had already told him in advance, so Leo Lin knew he was definitely making the Spain squad.
He had even packed his luggage ahead of time and would be leaving for the training base at noon.
Because of the Champions League final, he, Sergio Ramos, Carvajal, and the others were among the last batch of players to report to the camp.
Lopetegui had thoughtfully given Leo Lin five days off, but now he had to report and join full first-team training as soon as possible to prepare properly for the World Cup, which would begin on June 24.
The World Cup, held once every four years, always drew enormous attention, and this year's tournament was being hosted by Russia.
Starting on June 1, Russia had begun putting up posters of the participating national teams around major stadiums, with each poster featuring that team's captain.
At this point, Spain's final squad announcement alone was enough to draw countless fans into the livestream. Everyone was eager to see what kind of lineup Spain, one of the favorites to win this World Cup, would bring.
Lopetegui began reading out the squad. Some of the names were exactly the ones the players expected, while others came as a surprise.
When Leo Lin's name was called, Leo Lin, sitting in front of the livestream camera, immediately put on a professional cheer, a professional smile, and a professional celebration.
In reality, though, his suitcases and travel bags were already lined up by the door, ready to go.
Maria would be traveling with Leo Lin as well, but she was not allowed to stay in the same hotel as the players. All family members accompanying the squad would be placed in a different hotel arranged by the Spanish Football Association.
This was meant to make sure the players' form would not be affected, while still allowing them to feel the support of family and friends.
The final squad was officially confirmed. It was glittering with stars, though there were also a few young players unfamiliar to some fans.
Sky Sports immediately posted Spain's latest World Cup squad:
[Spain's 2018 World Cup first-team squad has been announced:
Goalkeepers:
From Manchester United, David de Gea.
From Athletic Bilbao, Kepa.
From Napoli, Reina.
Defenders:
From Real Madrid, Carvajal.
From Real Sociedad, Odriozola.
From Barcelona, Pique.
From Real Madrid, Ramos.
From Real Madrid, Nacho.
From Chelsea, Azpilicueta.
From Barcelona, Alba.
From Arsenal, Monreal.
Midfielders:
From Barcelona, Busquets.
From Atletico Madrid, Saul.
From Barcelona, Iniesta.
From Bayern Munich, Thiago.
From Manchester City, David Silva.
From Real Madrid, Isco.
From Liverpool, Leo Lin.
Forwards:
From Real Madrid, Asensio.
From Real Madrid, Vazquez.
From Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa.
From Valencia, Moreno.
From Celta, Aspas.]
With the final squad now set, the quadrennial football feast was drawing closer and closer to kickoff.
World Soccer News joined forces with Marca, Bild, Sky Sports, FIFA, and UEFA to launch a brand-new show, assembling six all-star commentary teams to accompany fans around the world throughout this World Cup.
The final six-man commentary super team was confirmed as Ronaldo from Brazil, Batistuta from Argentina, Casillas from Spain, Gerrard from England, Henry from France, and Gullit from the Netherlands.
With those six gathered in one place, the scene was bound to be lively.
On June 13, after the various countries had gradually released their World Cup squads, the special feature program officially began.
The first segment was the pre-tournament title prediction and final four prediction.
Since Michael Owen was not there, Gerrard let out a long sigh of relief. At least he did not have to worry about getting hit by the jinx.
On June 13, at 9:00 a.m. European time, the World Soccer News special feature program officially went live. The six members of the commentary super team gathered together and interacted with fans.
The viewer count in the livestream stayed ridiculously high. The moment the broadcast began, it had already surged past 100,000, with no visible ceiling.
The live chat was flying by at breakneck speed. This was the unique magic of the World Cup, something that came only once every four years.
"Football fans!"
"Fans from all over the world!"
"Hello, everyone!"
"Welcome to the final pre-tournament warm-up show for the 2018 Russia World Cup!"
"This World Cup is about to begin, and every country has already announced its squad. According to the current real-time fan voting rankings, the team viewed as the biggest favorite to win it all, sitting in first place, is France!"
"They are said to have the most complete starting lineup in world football today, featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, Pogba, Matuidi, Umtiti, and more!"
The moment Gerrard said France were ranked first in the predictions, Henry immediately straightened up in his seat. His face was full of pride and confidence, looking unbearably pleased with himself.
"Henry, take it easy. It's only a prediction."
Beside him, Gullit was built like a wild bull, and even sitting there he still looked imposing.
"That's where you're wrong, my old friend Gullit." Henry threw an arm around him.
"There's an old saying. Whoever has the people's support wins the world."
"I've always believed the public knows exactly what it's doing!"
Gullit said nothing. He simply reached over and jabbed Henry in the side with his pinky.
"Ow."
"Cut it out, Gullit."
"The Netherlands are only eighth anyway, right? It's fine. Eighth is not so bad."
Gerrard quickly pulled the program back on track. With Henry and Gullit acting like a comedy duo beside him, he was feeling for the first time just how difficult it was to keep a show moving.
"In the fan vote predictions, the five-time champions Brazil are in second place."
"The squad includes stars like Fernandinho, Coutinho, Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Jesus, Neymar, and many more!"
Ronaldo immediately straightened up as well, though for someone who had clearly put on weight, that alone was a workout.
"Phew, that's today's exercise done," Ronaldo said, stretching lazily.
"See that? That's what a championship squad looks like!"