Milanese for Lautaro, Greek food for De Paul and Messi in respect of their cabala: rest day for the national team, after the historic pass for the World Cup final

“There is absolute satisfaction”, the sentence of one of the components of the blue-and-white bunker in Doha is short, but precise. He perfectly describes the atmosphere in the intimacy of the Argentine national team after accessing this Sunday’s final. The goal was to go “little by little”, as Lionel Messi said in every match. But everyone has set themselves the goal of being able to play the big decisive match for a chance to be crowned in Qatar 2022. And this will happen. For this reason, the first hours after the 3-0 defeat against Croatia were full of celebrations and fun.

What began on the grass of the Lusail Stadium in front of the thousands of Argentine fans, a celebration which is already a ritual of gratitude for the support of the people, continued in the bowels of the local dressing room of the stage which will be the same as the final.

Songs, jumps, hugs, tears. It was time to let go and smile for having reached this milestone, which is obviously not the last. Now everyone wants to know more and will be looking for it in four days.

The reception at Qatar University was very emotional. All the local staff who work there stayed awake to welcome the world finalists to applause and chants. Even the albiceleste staff who remained in concentration. Something similar had happened after the semifinal.

The dinner menu was Milanese with french fries. It is also the allowed dish that is given as a “prize” after every victory on Arab soil. A bit Argentinian, after all. After dinner there was plenty because it wasn’t easy to lower the degree of confusion.

After 4 in the morning they started going to their rooms. Many took advantage of that moment to talk to their family or friends via video call.

This Wednesday was rest. The coaching staff, as had happened when they won Australia in the round of 16, decided to give them the day off, without training. And the players could choose between receiving their relatives in the bunker or going for a walk. The rule was to come back at night.

As was the case throughout the World Cup, Messi did not leave the estate and took his family to the merger. Dibu Martínez also received his father and brother in the property. But others have been encouraged to step through the gate protecting the privacy of the top World Cup finalists.

One of those who decided to make a change was Lautaro Martínez. El Toro, who was not active in the game yesterday, met up with his wife, Agustina Gandolfo, and they went out to lunch with a group of family and friends. Tate was chosen, one of the favorite restaurants of the families of Argentine players in Qatar.

The woman from El Toro showed one of the chosen dishes: a typical Milanese that thousands of kilometers from Argentina has a special value. Agustina, who yesterday attended the match on the pitch with little Nina (their daughter) also shared a photo of the long table set up for the Inter player to enjoy the day off with her loved ones.

The other ex Racing, Rodrigo De Paul, also left the concentration. Even the National team moped went out to have lunch with a large group. His brother-in-law, Fran Stoessel, shared an image of the family meal. They met at Manoe, a very chic tavern where they eat fish and Greek food. Later, it was the player himself who uploaded a photo with three friends.

In the evening, the members of the Scaloneta will eat a barbecue and all together will watch the semi-final between France and Morocco, where Argentina’s rival will emerge on Sunday. But for what is missing, today is the time for enjoyment.

Doha, Qatar. Special delivery.