The return of the World Cup has revived some of the defining symbols of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar. The “Muchachos…” chant is once again echoing through stadiums and streets, and “Andá para allá, bobo” has returned to everyday conversation.
Among the many memories resurfacing, few have been welcomed as warmly as the enduring devotion of Bangladeshi fans to the Argentine men’s national football team and its captain, Lionel Messi.
After every Argentina match, social media fills with images of jubilant crowds in Bangladesh celebrating each goal and victory.
Bangladeshi television presenters and journalists have appeared on live broadcasts wearing Argentina jerseys while, before the tournament began, residents of Ibrahimpur, a suburb of Dhaka, made headlines by unfurling a giant flag designed to resemble the national team’s shirt, complete with Messi’s No. 10 and the slogan “Vamos Argentina.”
The affection is mutual.
