When that interview was taken:
-NY had twin towers
-The top selling album according to Billboard was Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory.
-R&B singer Aaliyah was tragically killed in a plane crash.
-Apple was preparing to introduce a 5GB mp3 player called the iPod. Unfortunately it's distribution would be limited because it was only compatible with mac computers, which weren't very popular.
-The Xbox and Gamecube were introduced to compete with the dominant PS2 with (bestselling games Grand Theft Auto 3 and Metal Gear Solid 2) and Dreamcast. Nintendo released the Gameboy Advance.
-The defending World Cup champions were France.
-Real Madrid, lead by star striker Raul in his prime wins La Liga. Barcelona would finish the season in 4th place behind Madrid, Depor and Mallorca. The following year Valencia would top Madrid and Depor.
-Roma were champions of Italy.
-Barcelona would sign the "next Maradona", a River Plate star named Javier Saviola.
-Lionel Messi was 14 years old.