Elmo heard Knicks fans loud and clear — he's backing Team USA at the World Cup this time (VIDEO)

NEW YORK, June 20 — 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 that he hoped his latest rooting interest wouldn’t become national news after what happened during the NBA Finals.

The good-natured remark comes after Elmo was criticised by some New York Knicks supporters for refusing to pick a side before an NBA Finals game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Knicks. 

Instead, he wished both teams good luck and hoped everyone had fun — a wholesome sentiment that many die-hard fans didn’t exactly appreciate.

For Knicks faithful, the message felt like a betrayal. After all, Elmo was “born” on Sesame Street in New York and came of age during the franchise’s memorable run to two NBA Finals in the 1990s, leading many fans to believe his loyalty should have been unquestionable.

The backlash spilled across social media, with fans flooding replies to Elmo’s post, while some even brought playful props referencing the incident to the Knicks’ championship parade this week.

Rather than shy away from the attention, Elmo embraced the joke.

This time, there was no fence-sitting.

The Sesame Street resident has become an unlikely World Cup ambassador in recent weeks, joining fellow cast members in appearances on Fox’s tournament coverage. Together, they’ve promoted matches, interviewed United States manager Mauricio Pochettino and even shared words of encouragement with the national team.

After experiencing firsthand how seriously sports fans take their allegiances, Elmo appears to have taken the message to heart.

As Sesame Street has been teaching audiences for generations, sometimes every experience comes with a lesson.

In Elmo’s case, that lesson was simple: when passionate sports fans are watching, it pays to pick a side.