NEW YORK, June 19 -- Elmo has learned one very important lesson: never underestimate the passion of sports fans.

After finding himself at the centre of an unexpected social media storm during the NBA Finals, the beloved Sesame Street character officially declared his allegiance ahead of the United States men's national team's World Cup clash against Australia - while making it clear there's still plenty of love to go around.

The furry red favourite resurfaced this week to throw his support behind Team USA before yesterday's match, but stayed true to his famously kind-hearted personality by reassuring Australian fans they were still very much appreciated.

Elmo also couldn't resist poking fun at his recent sporting controversy, joking th...