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Exploring Argentine Football Culture: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the vibrant world of Argentine football, a thrilling saga of passion, rivalry, and glory! In Argentina, football is more than just a game. It’s a way of life, a cultural melting pot where the collective heartbeat of the nation throbs with the rhythm of the beautiful game. Exploring Argentine football culture will give you a unique insight into the passion and dedication that drives this incredible sport.

SHORT SUMMARY

  • Experience the passionate football culture of Argentina, from its thrilling rivalries to unforgettable moments and inspiring national team!

  • Discover up-and-coming stars ready to take the world by storm & clubs beyond Buenos Aires that add great value.

  • Enjoy football tourism in Argentina for an unforgettable journey full of passion and excitement!

  • THE PASSION OF ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires through a tranquil neighborhoods of Cordoba to the most remote little town, Argentine football is a riveting spectacle that captivates the heart of the nation. It’s a world where the fervor of the fans rivals the intensity on the pitch, where every goal scored is a burst of joy, and every victory is a testament to the city’s pride.  For a child growing up with barely basic needs, becoming a professional football player is his ticket out of poverty. Unfortunately, few are chosen by the goddess of fortune, such as Diego Maradona, Carlos Tevez, Ángel Di María or Kun Agüero.  But the dream of wearing the shirt in the colours of the champions is so big and the passion runs so deep   that many children pursue it. For parents, it is a great help in their upbringing, as the clubs instil in them good values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, equality and inclusion in addition to the physical and psychological benefits associated with training and playing sports. 

The rivalries are fierce, the stakes are high, and the belief system that guides Argentine football culture is nothing short of electrifying. The fans, driven by their love for the sport and unwavering loyalty to their clubs, turn the stadiums into cauldrons of unbridled enthusiasm. Their belief system is rooted in the idea that their team is a thrilling representation of their city, region or neighbourhood, and the team’s success is a reflection of their incredible pride. As the first division matches are played on Sundays, Mondays are the day when the two sides of the coin are seen at work. On the one hand, the Sunday winners, who will not stop making references to the victory of their beloved team, making fun of the losers of the game, and the losers who will defend themselves using arguments such as the bad refereeing of the match or reminding them of bad moments of the winning team. Rhetoric is an art!

From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the tranquil neighborhoods of Cordoba, every corner of Argentina pulsates with the rhythm of football. This is the passion of Argentine football.

BOCA JUNIORS VS. RIVER PLATE: THE RIVALRY

The Superclásico (super: because these arethe most popular and successful clubs and clásico : derby) It's not just a football match, it is a clash of titans! From the barbecue with family and friends to watching the game on TV or going to the stadium to see them play live, it has to be planned in advance, and this is part of the folklore of football.

Such is the importance of this game that it transcends all frontiers, receiving recognition from the editor of World Soccer Magazine was chosen for football and described this match as "unsurpassed by any other in the world for its passion and intensity"

It is so important that it even takes on diplomatic relevance. In the video you can see US diplomats speaking in Spanish with typical Argentinean idioms recreating what would be typical office discussions between coworkers of rival teams (and of course, it was a great gesture to win the hearts of the people of Argentina and to strengthen ties) The video starts with the following text:  Breaking news: the state department has set up a committee to investigate a strange phenomenon in Argentina. American diplomats who are posted to the embassy in Argentina develop a strange fever shortly after their stay in the country. The fever has proven to be highly contagious, although so far no permanent damage has been reported. The committee of experts has dubbed it "Superclasico fever".

WHEN DID THE RIVALRY START AND WHY?

River Plate and Boca Juniors were based in the neighbourhood of La Boca. As the story goes, the turning point was in 1913, when after River's victory over Boca, the River fans burned a Boca flag.

THE SUPERCLÁSICO IN NUMBERS

  • In local tournaments, they have played each other 213 times: Boca won 78 times, River 71 times and they have drawn 65 times.

  • In international matches, out of 32 meetings (28 were in the Copa Libertadores), Boca won 11, River won 10 and they tide on 11 occasions.

  • River scored 313 goals and Boca 334.

  • 83000 tickets were sold in the last match played at the "Monumental" stadium

 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FANS

"La 12":  La 12 is the name given to the fans of Boca. Why? Because in 1925, a club member and fan Victoriano Caffarena faithfully followed his team during the 19 games of the tour in Spain and Germany. In recognition of his devotion, he received the nickname "player number 12" (there are 11 players on each soccer team) Today, the pressure of the fans, songs and booing of the rival, and the powerful encouragement that they send to the players, is the reason why "la 12" is considered the extra player of Boca.

Los Borrachos del Tablón (“Drunkards of the Bleachers”):  Rubén "Matute" Coppola, the founder of Los Borrachos del Tablón explains the origin and why of the name: "The fan group formed in 1968 with Loco Mingo. Sandro was my mentor, but when he was kidnapped in 1977 and was tortured for five days (referring to what happened in Argentina during state terrorism), He decided to step aside. He said that I was going to continue as leader. And there I named them Los Borrachos del Tablón. Why that name? The explanation is as logical as it is crude: "And how do you want me to call it if they were all drunk? Wine and joint all the time. We were the biggest fan group in Argentina, nobody could beat us and we´ll never  wet blanket  like those of Boca"

UP-AND-COMING STARS

As we continue our journey through Argentine football, it’s time to turn our attention to the stars of tomorrow. From Alejo Véliz to Ezequiel Fernandez, Argentine football is brimming with talented youngsters who are ready to take the world by storm. These players, with their unique blend of skill and creativity, are poised to shape the future of Argentine football and take it to new heights.

These young talents are not just future superstars but also torchbearers of Argentine football in this age. They carry the hopes and dreams of a nation on their shoulders, and their success on the pitch translates into joy and pride for millions of fans. They are the ones who will carry forward the legacy of Argentine football and write the next thrilling chapter in its rich history.

THE ROLE OF THE COACH

In the world of Argentine football, the role of a coach is as crucial as that of a player. A coach:

  • Shapes the team’s tactics and strategy

  • Manages the players

  • Ensures they are physically and mentally prepared for matches

  • Orchestrates the symphony of football on the pitch

  • Leads their teams to glory.

A coach’s impact on team development and success cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in nurturing young talents, fostering team spirit, and steering the team towards success. The current coach of the Argentina national football team, Lionel Scaloni, is a testament to the pivotal role coaches play in Argentine football.

ARGENTINA'S NATIONAL TEAM: PRIDE AND GLORY

Now let’s turn our attention to the pride and glory of Argentine football - the national team. The national team embodies the strength, unity, and passion of the country, Argentina, and its success is celebrated by every Argentinian.

From historic victories to promising talents, the national team’s journey is a thrilling saga of Argentine football.

Memorable Moments

The story of Argentina’s national team is adorned with many unforgettable moments. From winning the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 to reaching the final in 1930, 1990, and 2014, every triumph and every near miss has been a thrilling chapter in Argentina’s football history.

One moment that stands out in this illustrious history is Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup. This iconic goal, scored in the quarter-final against England, etched Maradona’s name in the annals of football history and cemented Argentina’s place as a powerhouse of the sport.

Argentina Champions of the World Cup 2022

Argentina became football champions and won the third World Cup at the 2022 World Cup to be played in Qatar in 2022. The last match was decided by penalties, after a 3-3 draw with France in a thrilling match.  

Previous results

ARGENTINA 1-2 ARABIA SAUDITA (Messi)

ARGENTINA 2-0 MÉXICO (Messi y E. Fernández)

ARGENTINA 2-0 POLONIA (Mac Allister & J. Álvarez)

ARGENTINA 2-1 AUSTRALIA (Messi & J. Álvarez)

ARGENTINA 3-0 CROACIA (Messi & J. Álvarez -2-)

ARGENTINA 3-3 (Messi -2- &  Di María)

Current Squad

The current squad of Argentina’s national team is a testament to the country’s rich footballing heritage. The team boasts an array of talent that promises to keep Argentina at the forefront of international football.

These players, along with Lionel Messi, have not only brought glory to Argentina, but also shaped the course of the sport. Their contributions, from winning the World Cup in 2014 and 2022 to reaching the finals of the Copa America in 2019, have been instrumental in raising the profile of Argentine football and inspiring the next generation of players.

Lionel Messi, globally recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has marked yet another significant chapter in his illustrious career by signing with Inter Miami CF in July 2023. This move sees Messi making his inaugural foray into Major League Soccer (MLS), bringing his exceptional talents to the United States after a successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain. As the latest high-profile addition to David Beckham's ambitious Miami project, Messi's arrival signals a new era for the club and the MLS. It’s anticipated that his world-class skills and vast experience will not only elevate Inter Miami's game, but also contribute significantly to the global appeal and growth of American soccer.

ESPN'S COVERAGE OF ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

ESPN’s coverage of Argentine football has been instrumental in bringing the sport to a global audience. From news and scores to game summaries, ESPN provides comprehensive coverage of Argentina’s matches in the World Cup and beyond.

This extensive coverage has not only boosted the sport’s popularity, but also made it more accessible to fans around the world. With more visibility and increased sponsorships and investments, ESPN’s coverage has played a significant role in the growth and development of Argentine football.

Another derbies in Argentina:

Avellaneda Derby: Independiente vs Racing

Rosario Derby: Newell´s Old Boys vs Rosario Central

La Plata Derby: Estudiantes de la Plata vs Gimnasia y Esgrima

Cordoba Derby: Belgrano de Cordoba vs Talleres

Santa Fe Derby: Colon vs Union

Tucuman Derby: San Martin de Tucuman vs Club Atletico Tucuman

Buenos Aires City Derbies:

All Boys vs Nueva Chicago

Barracas vs Barracas Central

Defensores de Belgrano vs Excursionistas

Huracan vs San Lorenzo

Ferrocarril Oeste vs Velez Sarfiel (Western Derby)

THE IMPACT OF LOANS AND TRANSFERS

Loan transactions and transfers are common in Argentine football, playing a significant role in shaping the teams and influencing the players’ careers. These transactions allow clubs to acquire new players and strengthen their teams, thereby enhancing their performance and competitiveness.

For the players, loans and transfers offer an opportunity to gain experience, develop their skills, and play for different teams. They provide a platform for players to showcase their talent, make their mark in the sport, and potentially catch the eye of bigger clubs.

FOOTBALL TOURISM IN ARGENTINA

Football tourism in Argentina offers a unique way for tourists to experience the passion and culture of Argentine football. From joining a tour group to watching matches in less boisterous seated areas, football tourism offers a variety of experiences for fans.

The must-see matches include the Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate, the Clásico de Avellaneda between Racing Club and Independiente, and the Clásico de Rosario between Newell’s Old Boys and Rosario Central. Additionally, football tourists can visit iconic stadiums like La Bombonera and El Monumental, attend press conferences, and even meet players.

These exciting experiences make football tourism in Argentina an unforgettable journey for every fan.

SUMMARY

Our journey through Argentine football has taken us from passionate local club rivalries to the national team’s glorious achievements. We’ve explored the roles of coaches, the impact of ESPN’s coverage, and the contributions of clubs beyond Buenos Aires. We’ve celebrated the rising stars and marveled at the unforgettable moments in Argentina’s football history. But above all, we’ve witnessed the unwavering passion and dedication that defines Argentine football. So whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or a football tourist, one thing is clear - Argentine football is a thrilling spectacle that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are Argentines so passionate about football?

Football is a cherished part of Argentine culture and pride, unifying its people and stirring strong passion. It can be seen from the streets of Buenos Aires to the smallest villages in the country.

The sport has been a source of joy and hope for generations, and it continues to bring people together in celebration and sorrow. It is a symbol of national identity and a source of pride.

Is football a culture in Argentina?

Football is the heartbeat of Argentina – a fundamental part of the culture and Argentines’ greatest passion. Watching a football match in Buenos Aires is an unforgettable experience, showing how deeply football is embedded in the culture of the country.

The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their teams. The passion and enthusiasm of the crowd is infectious, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.

Why does Bangladesh support the Argentina National Football Team?

The answer lies in the history of Bangladesh, when Winston Churchill cut off food supplies to Bangladesh, causing the Bengal famine that resulted in 1.5 million deaths. Cheering for the Argentine team is their way of demonstrating their hatred of British colonialism. Why Argentina? Because of the Malvinas war and Maradona's hand of God goal against the English.

Who are some of the up-and-coming stars of Argentine football?

Get ready to cheer for some amazing talent – Cristian Medina (Boca Juniors), Julian Fernandez (Velez Sarfield) Santiago Simon (River Plate), Alrjo Veliz (Rosario Central), Luca Langoni (Boca Juniors), Valentin Gomez (Velez Sarfiels), Ezequiel Zeballos (Boca Juniors), Juan Sforza (Newell´s), Ezequiel Fernandez (Boca Juniors), Gianluca Prestianni (Velez Sarfield) are the up-and-coming stars of Argentine football, destined to shape its future!These young players have already made a name for themselves in the world of football, and they are sure to make an even bigger impact in the years to come. They have the potential to become some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Their talent and skills have already been recognized by some of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have been recognized by some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Susan WoodComment