Across the globe, Lionel Messi’s star power transcends national borders. Fans from Bangladesh, India and China shelled out thousands of Rands to descend on Texas just for a glimpse of the 39-year-old legend at the World Cup. Photo: IANS
They wear shirts with Lionel Messi's name on the back and support Argentina at the Fifa World Cup 2026 — and none of them are Argentine.
Sabid Ahamed was so excited about seeing Messi in the flesh that he was at the Texas stadium, hosting Argentina's final group game, even though it was a week away and his hero was nowhere to be seen. Wearing Argentina's blue-and-white shirt, the 32-year-old has his wife Rahima with him and is holding his baby son. Little Naraiz, seven months-old, is also squeezed into an Argentina jersey.
Ahamed is from Bangladesh — one of many fans who support Argentina but come from another country.
"I'm very excited to see Messi," said Ahamed, currently doing a PhD in the US.
