During the World Cup, you could hear the screams of Argentines from every block in Buenos Aires on match days. You didn’t need to watch Argentina play to keep track of the score.
I am not a sports person – what felt to me like mob mentality, rooting for your colour, has never appealed. But my Porteño (Buenos Aires local) friends threatened to exile me if I didn’t participate in what I hadn’t grasped was history in the making.
The first time Argentina were declared World Champions was in 1978 on home soil, defeating Netherlands 3-1. They found glory again in 1986 against what was West Germany in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, 3-2.
I say Argentina as a whole, not just the football team, because that is the enthusiasm displayed here. Everyone wins or not. It wasn’t a friendly day to be out in the streets of the capital after they lost their first match to Saudi Arabia. The World Cup might be happening in Qatar, but you could feel the energy of the games here like an earthquake.
On the day of the final, light blue and white striped jerseys flooded the streets, the mood one of mixed thrills and angst in anticipation of the face-off with France. Big screens had been put up around the city for communities to come together. What surprised me the most was the passion, which was visible beyond the locals. I met folks from all over the globe acting like their home country was about to play, smudging their cheeks with paint emulating the Argentinian flag and attempting (often failing) to sing along to the adopted anthem, “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” by La Mosca Tsé – Tsé.
Messi’s name was emblazoned on people’s backs like a brand name, creating immediate bonds between complete strangers. As we witnessed Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María deliver the first two goals, you’d think everyone had won the lottery.
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I came to Buenos Aires for the same reason countless other expats and tourists have added it to their travel list: an impressive portfolio of restaurants, speakeasies, and live music; the city’s nightlife puts New York on snooze (I’ve never been at so many music festivals until 7 am); its summer takes over where the northern hemisphere’s goes into hibernation and a favourable exchange rate – one of few countries that the puny pound will buy you more at the moment – adds to its appeal for visitors.
Since Argentina last won the World Cup, much has changed economically and politically. The world might be facing inflation, but in Argentina it is nudging 100 per cent, having risen from 50 per cent in 2019. The peso fluctuates at unfathomable rates, forcing businesses to recalibrate prices monthly. The financial crisis means that countless families have seen their savings devalued with nothing they can do about it. Regardless, an Argentinian never loses pride in their country.
As the two football teams added goals and headed into penalties, I found myself desperately hoping for this win. It wasn’t about the trophy but a victory for every Argentinian and ally, a signal that despite its turbulent state, it can and will return to its former greatness.
When that win finally came, Buenos Aires took the Obelisk by storm. It reminded me of LGBTQ+ Pride, except it wasn’t a celebration of sexuality but an entire country – humanity. I’ve never seen anything like it. A city of millions became one. I thought it would be only for a day, but my local friends assured me this will continue for months to come.
It’s an excitement that rippled across the globe – flight searches on British Airways’ website for Buenos Aires increased by 400 per cent week-on-week after the match. Those ecstatic scenes on the streets of Buenos Aires offer a sense of joy and optimism so many of us are craving.
For those in two minds about whether to visit, I say come – join this historic moment. The nationalism here welcomes all to participate in the celebration and the rebirth of a country with so much to offer, starting with the enthusiasm and passion of its people. You might find yourself returning home wearing another team’s jersey.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/5aY8zDQ
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