Argentina fans flock to World Cup as Messi fever reaches new heights

TLE DESK: Argentina’s passionate football supporters have turned the FIFA World Cup into a global pilgrimage, travelling thousands of miles and spending significant sums to follow their team as the defending champions begin their title defence in the United States.

Their devotion was rewarded on Tuesday when Argentina opened its campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria, powered by a hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.

For many fans, the tournament is as much about witnessing Messi as it is about supporting Argentina.

“We are crazy for Argentina,” said 73-year-old supporter Daniel Otero, who is attending his seventh World Cup and expects to spend around $100,000 travelling with his two sons throughout the tournament.

Among the most remarkable journeys were three Argentine fans who cycled nearly 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometres) from South America to Kansas City without even having tickets for the match.

Others drove for hours across the United States, cutting costs by living on sandwiches and staying in budget accommodation to ensure they could attend Argentina’s opener.

Juan Martin, a supporter from Buenos Aires, compared Messi’s global appeal to that of basketball legend Michael Jordan during his years with the Chicago Bulls.

“Argentina now is like the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan,” Martin said. “Argentina has fans around the world with Messi.”

Many supporters are spending tens of thousands of dollars to follow the team throughout the competition. Martin and his partner estimate they will each spend about $20,000 during the month-long tournament, while Otero said ticket costs alone total around $40,000.

The influence of Messi extends well beyond Argentina’s borders.

Supporters noted the large number of American families wearing Argentina jerseys bearing Messi’s name, reflecting the football icon’s growing popularity in the United States since joining Inter Miami.

“I can’t remember an Argentinian team without Messi,” said Franco Otero, Daniel’s son.

Outside the stadium, fans gathered around giant banners and drum groups celebrating the Argentine captain. One banner reading “Lio Te Quiero” (“I love you, Leo”) became a popular photo spot among supporters.

Eleven-year-old Andre Cornuz, whose family has Argentine roots, said he grew up watching Messi.

“I have been raised with Messi,” he said. “I am very connected to the land.”

Tournament organisers in Kansas City said they were impressed by the extraordinary lengths Argentina supporters had gone to in order to attend the match.

Pam Kramer, chief executive of the Kansas City World Cup organising committee, highlighted the story of the three cyclists who arrived without tickets but were eventually helped by local residents.

“We want people to see what we see, that this place is pretty special,” Kramer said.

For many Argentine supporters, this World Cup carries extra significance as it may be Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Jorgelina Skorput, an Argentine-born fan living in New York, spent around $2,000 to attend the match, including an $800 ticket.

“I felt like this is the only opportunity I’m going to get to see the World Cup,” she said. “We’re the last champions.”

With Messi continuing to shine and Argentina beginning their title defence in style, the devotion of the Albiceleste faithful appears stronger than ever.