Since moving to Argentina in 2005, I have both enjoyed and suffered six World Cups, and living in a country where soccer is practically a religion, it’s almost impossible to escape it. In the early years, I simply went along with the mass hysteria, but also tried to avoid it. But now I embrace all of it, absorbing the excitement, the tension, the disappointments and the euphoria. As I write this, Argentina has just been beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final, so we are feeling a tad deflated.
We Are All Messi
Considered to be the GOAT (greatest of all time), Lionel Messi is worshipped in Argentina and also in many other countries, including Bangladesh. In and around the stadiums in the US, Canada and Mexico, thousands of fans wore the Messi number ten shirt and even more in Argentina. As I rode around Buenos Aires since the tournament began on the 11th of June, the blue and white flags literally festooned the city, hanging from windows, cars and trucks.
Soccer Stops Everything
When Argentina won the competition in Qatar four years ago, millions of fans descended on the iconic obelisk in the centre of Buenos Aires and stayed there celebrating most of the night. During most of Argentina’s matches, I rode out on my motorcycle or bicycle to drink in the atmosphere in the street, and yesterday, being the final, was an eerie experience. Usually on a Sunday the coastal bicycle paths are full of cyclists and others enjoying the fresh air, but I was the only one an hour before kick-off, and it was a luxury. Mind you, it was a grey, misty and drizzly old day, but that doesn’t usually put most people off.
But of course, every Argentine was already absorbed in the pre-match build-up at home or in bars. On the way back, fans, with flags draped around their shoulders, were roaming the streets and cars honked their horns. The game itself was a painful experience to watch, and Spain scored the only goal in the last few minutes of extra time. When the referee blew his final whistle, I turned the TV off, grabbed a beer, put some loud music on, and lit the barbecue. Thankfully, we can all return to normal now, at least for the next four years!
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Hi Marc. I was able to watch many of the FIFA games and though I had a hard time understanding some of the rules, found them very enjoyable. Sorry, I but suspected (expected) Spain to be the winner. There can be only one, and left sorry that Argentina played so poorly, Mindblower!
Agreed, Mindblower.