“Ronaldo has to eat this pie... if he wants to run faster!”

PALM BEACH - The buzz surrounding a World Cup often centers on pristine pitches, the meticulously crafted tactical schemes by Roberto Martínez, and the hushed tranquility that has settled over the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Portugal's headquarters on American soil. However, just ten minutes away, cradled by Florida's calm waters and the constant ebb and flow of boats and seaplanes, stands a living monument of culinary history, demanding its share of the World Cup spotlight.

The invitation is extended, the accent is distinctly local, and the challenge posed to the Portuguese delegation is as historic as it is delicious. We're talking about the legendary Old Key Lime House, a unique establishment whose spirit has defied the passage of time since 1889.

It is officially the oldest waterfront establishment in the state of Florida, and within its lime-green painted wooden walls and tropical surroundings, it holds the stories of generations. We met with Ryan Cordero, the current face and heir to this family empire, who greeted us with the warmth and ease of someone who perfectly understands they hold an invaluable cultural and gastronomic treasure.

“My family has actually been doing this since 1840, long before Florida itself was incorporated as a U.S. state, which only happened in 1845,” Ryan Cordero begins, visibly proud, with the ocean and blue wooden decks as his backdrop. The place retains that magnetic charm that makes any visitor immediately feel like they're on vacation — where reggae and live music echo near the pier — but the truth is, it hasn't always had an easy ride over the last century.

Pointing to a large, striking thatched-roof hut that dominates one wing of the restaurant, the owner recalls one of the greatest trials in the establishment's recent history: “Where you see that big hut back there today, it used to be an enclosed dining room, equipped with air conditioning. But Hurricane Wilma came through here and completely destroyed that structure. For the reconstruction, we decided to bring in the Seminole Indians, who came and built what is now the largest Chikee hut in all of Florida.”

The result of that turnaround is an incredibly relaxed atmosphere, where flip-flops and swimsuits are accepted as the official daily attire.

However, while the tropical ambiance is striking, there's a well-kept secret that draws crowds from all corners of the globe to the Old Key Lime House: the legendary Key Lime Pie, considered by many to be the best key lime pie in the world. And the recipe, according to Ryan, is in his family's bloodline: “My family invented the original key lime pie back in Key West in 1840. It's an authentic Florida tradition. Key limes only grow here, in our region, and we created this wonderful pie with a very specific, personalized meringue on top. It's simply fantastic, divine.”

Aware that the Portuguese delegation is just a short, ten-minute drive away, the American entrepreneur breaks into a wide smile and confesses his desire to see the stars of the national team seated at his table.

The recipe for success in the competition, he guarantees, might just involve a sweet indulgence permitted by Florida's cuisine.

“I know perfectly well that the World Cup is happening and that the Portugal national team is staying right here on our street. If any of the lads want to come here and try our key lime pie, we are more than ready and open arms to welcome them!” Ryan challenges.

And when asked directly if he knows the figures of our team, the captain's name immediately comes to mind, accompanied by a peculiar guarantee of athletic performance that promises to stir things up behind the scenes.

“Of course, Ronaldo first and foremost! And let me tell you, our key lime pie actually makes you run even faster, so it would be a huge competitive advantage for them to eat this before games!” the owner concludes with a laugh, leaving a clearly audible message of support before we say goodbye: “Thank you, and go Portugal!”

After the frustrating draw against DR Congo and the subsequent strict order of seclusion imposed by the FPF to avoid excessive social media distractions in Palm Beach, it remains to be seen if Roberto Martínez and the team of nutritionists will make a rare exception to the athletes' ultra-rigorous diet.

The temptation of Florida's most famous delicacy is just around the corner. Who knows if the secret to Cristiano Ronaldo's speed and inspiration for the next match against Uzbekistan isn't, after all, hidden in a generous slice of history, meringue, and lime.