Bastian Schweinsteiger was asked if Chicago Fire can win the World Cup (Video)

In what is sure to be the worst moment of this reporter’s career, Bastian Schweinsteiger had to field a question about winning a World Cup in Chicago.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has come to Chicago as one of the most accomplished footballers ever. As a member of Bayern Munich, he has won the Bundesliga title eight times, the DFB-Pokal seven times, and the Champions League once. But his greatest achievement came in 2014 when he helped Germany win the World Cup after two consecutive third place finishes.

After a failed stint at Manchester United, Schweinsteiger felt like he needed a new challenge. That’s why he joined the Chicago Fire for a shot at winning silverware in another country while proving he’s still got something left in the tank.

The Chicago media was undoubtedly excited about being in the presence of a legend at his introductory press conference. But one reporter must’ve gotten a huge case of the jitters in order to ask a question like this:

After some initial confusion from both sides, the reporter tried asking it again, seemingly not knowing that he made a big mistake. Chicago Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez then had to rephrase the question to make it about the MLS Cup. Considering he acquired Schweinsteiger, he must’ve felt it was his duty to assure him that MLS teams don’t compete in the World Cup.

Or perhaps the reporter thought he could get away with his mistake by banking on the idea that Schweinsteiger understands little to no English. But he responded to the rephrased question in perfect English before laughing the whole thing off.

Let this be a lesson to aspiring journalists: always do your research. You never want to be caught making a mistake like this, and saying it’s your first time won’t be a viable excuse. You have to feel bad for the guy, though. He had good intentions and was probably starstruck by the fact that he was talking to Schweinsteiger.

Next: How will Bastian Schweinsteiger fare in MLS?

While it’s impossible for Schweinsteiger to deliver Chicago a World Cup, if he can play up to the same level he exhibited earlier in his career, then the Fire could win their first MLS Cup since 1998.