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Phoenix business owner’s day off for Copa America includes meeting ‘Ted Lasso’ star

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4 days ago

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As a small business owner and operator, Emmanuell Maldonado couldn’t completely keep his mind away from his restaurant while enjoying a rare Sunday off.

He had to make sure things were running smoothly at Mariscos Playa Hermosa in central Phoenix, and nearby Cielo Rojo just north on 16th Street. But beyond that, Sunday was a day to remember for Maldonado and his father, José, who were treated to the Mexico vs. Ecuador Copa America soccer match thanks to a Mastercard initiative to help small businesses and provide them resources to grow and thrive.

“Our culture is all about futbol and seeing it light up like that in the second half, I think it was amazing. Being there with all of our fellow Latinos was amazing. For me, watching soccer with my dad is already fun enough. To be there in a stadium enjoying ourselves and having a good time was amazing,” Maldonado said. “If you ask any business owner, especially a small business owner, you’ll know. Point blank, I took like three calls during the game from both my restaurants and that’s just something you have to do.”

Fortunately, the Maldonados had a capable team of employees to handle things.

Mastercard is a sponsor of the CONMEBOL Copa América, the continental soccer championship of South America that is being played in the United States. Two matches took place at State Farm Stadium this past week, Friday and Saturday, and a quarterfinal match takes place in Glendale this coming Saturday.

The Maldonados, like many Mexico soccer fans, weren’t too happy with the scoreless draw outcome of Sunday’s match. But they were treated well, with matching jerseys and the chance to meet former Mexican national team star Hector Herrera and Cristo Fernandez, a star of the hugely popular Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.”

In a video in which Herrera and Fernandez arrive at Mariscos Playa Hermosa to “take care of the business” while the Maldonados go to the game, Emmanuell Maldonado explains how Mastercard helps him run his online merchandise shop and send money securely to family members in Mexico.

The Maldonados were honored to have Herrera and Fernandez (who played Dani Rojas in “Ted Lasso”) at their restaurant, and Emmanuell called it a “big deal” for his business to get that kind of exposure.

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Mariscos Playas Hermosa has been in business at the same location since 2002. Emmanuell’s parents managed and maintained a nightclub before using their savings to open the restaurant.

“If you know Mexican culture, we’ve been gambling our whole lives, whether it’s coming to this country to look for a better life and a better future for their children, or if it’s starting a new job or buying a new business or creating your own business like my parents did, it’s part of who we (Mexicans) are,” Maldonado said. “We have that warrior spirit, you could call it.”

Herrera said he enjoys his association with companies that help the Latino community. He currently plays for the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer.

“I’m happy to help the community on this side (of the border) out in this way,” Herrera said in Spanish. “It was an incredible experience, it was beautiful. José and Emmanuell were so easy to get along with. They have a good business sense while being all about their family.”

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