Sub 20 World Cup: Argentina begins its illusion with the massive support of the people in Santiago del Estero

Lionel Messi is not there. Nor Angelito di María, Rodrigo de Paul or Dibu Martínez. But in Santiago del Estero the furor for the Scudetto which now sports three World Cup stars continues at its peak. The people welcomed the Argentine under-20 team with almost the same fury with which they had received the world champion team at the end of March, when they came to the northern lands to offer the cup in the friendly won against Curaçao. Argentinian fans want to see the team of Javier Mascheranothe most wanted by fans, and sold out tickets for the debut this Saturday at 6pm against Uzbekistan in the only mother of cities.

After the disappointment of the South American championship in Colombia, the boys have a new opportunity and will begin that dream by feeling the warmth of the people up close. On Thursday evening, when the bus parked in front of the hotel, dozens of fans waited to greet the players and get a photo or an autograph. The coach, due to his past as emblem of the second team in Brazil 2014, is the most requested by all. But there is also madness for Colo Barco, the 18-year-old full-back who starred in the Primera de Boca at the hands of Jorge Almirón, and for the other boys, different from Europe.

“We have come from being concentrated in the Ezeiza property without seeing many people and arriving here, in Santiago, and that there are many people waiting for us is an advantage,” said Ignacio Maestro Puch clarion in the prelude to the team’s last training session at the Central Córdoba property. “It is an enormous joy to arrive in Santiago and see that there are people waiting for us and encouraging us. We didn’t expect that. I had never tried it and it made me very happy. Having people accompany us gives us more security and a greater desire to play,” said the other Ignacio, Miramón, who is fighting for a place in midfield.

Gino Infantino He also expressed to this newspaper: “It is an extra motivation that the stadium is full. We will play in the best way for all of them and for our families. We knew the people would be with us and how football is experienced in Argentina. We want to enjoy it”.

Mascherano’s boys feel content in Santiago del Estero, where they will face the first two matches of group A (they will play against Guatemala on Tuesday). Both on the way to training and on the way back, they pass through hands that touch and hug them and ask them for a selfie. They also have a bench while they train, even though the place is a bit far from the city center. Like that of Eugenia, who came with her children Fausto and Augusto and with her parents. Embarked, they did not stop singing “come on, come on guys”.

“We are from here nearby. We have tickets and we will go to the games. We got to know Mascherano exclusively. Let’s hope it’s a good World Cup and that December’s story can be repeated“he commented waving the Argentine flag in his family.

Not far away was Daniel, wearing a Boca shirt, who said he was very enthusiastic “see this team on the pitch” and invited all those who come to Santiago del Estero for the World Cup “not to miss the milanesa and the catfish empanadas”, two typical dishes of the area.

Children absorb that affection and are enthusiastic about turning it into energy to use on the field at the moment of action. “I don’t know how I imagine the stadium, but I know it will be something beautiful and unique and we will have to enjoy it”, Master Puch was enthusiastic. And Gino Infantino added: “More than a rematch, this is a new opportunity. We thought it was all over after the South American, but instead we have the chance to play the World Cup in our country and with our people”.

Before the premiere there will be an opening ceremony with a choreographed show. And the anthem will be sung by Patricia Sosa.

The Under 20 World Cup is underway and the guys from Mascherano light up their illusion.

Special envoy to Santiago del Estero.