The light breeze of the warm Pamplona brings, from afar, a wild song that breaks with the tranquility of a sunny Sunday full of tourists in the historic center of the city. It seems like a huge band, but there are only five Argentines who, about four hours after the start of Argentina-Estonia, the second match of the national team’s tour of Europe, are already waving flags and all. They arrive at the “Encierro” monument, as the action of running in front of a herd of bulls is called, as is done in San Fermín through these streets, and they unfold the rags that say Budge. They start singing and suddenly other Argentines appear, greet and join. Anger for Scaloneta was also present in the provincial capital of Navarre.
“We are all from Madrid, friends. And we came this way to be able to see the national team above all. We are having fun early and shaking things up a little with the national team, ah,” says Marcos Giménez, 25 -Fan of the San Lorenzo di one year, Cordovan, who is together with members of the Boca Madrid fan group, Pablo (62) and Juana Genez (48), who are from Buenos Aires. “The most important thing, besides the result, is the party,” says Pablo.
“I came from Córdoba to Barcelona 13 years ago. I drove to Pamplona when I found out that Argentina was playing. I am a Real Madrid fan and I suffered a lot from Messi at Barcelona. But I was still going to see that. very Guardiola team “, comments another Cordovan who joined the Albiceleste endurance in Spain. This Belgrano fan adds: “It will be the first time I see Leo on the Biancoceleste field. I won’t be able to go to Qatar so I’m happy to see him here.”
Argentine fans cheer the team in front of the Osasuna stadium. Photo: Mario Quinteros (special correspondent)
The vast majority of the fans who came to Pamplona are Argentines residing in Spain who have not missed the opportunity to see the national team of Messi and Lionel Scaloni. Like Adrián (44 years old), his son Nacho (25), Daniel (14) and Ricardo, an Ecuadorian who adopted to the family. “There is a desire to see Messi, especially with Argentina”, Nacho almost despairs.
Suddenly, a family dressed as River interrupts the scene. They live in Tarragona and are thrilled to see Julián Alvarez and Franco Armani dressed as albiceleste. “The colors and the national team are shooting. We managed to get the tickets and we didn’t doubt it”, they share their emotion.
Argentine fans cheer the team in front of the Osasuna stadium. Photo: Mario Quinteros (special correspondent)
Just before the game, The Argentines met in Pamplona’s Orfeón Park, two blocks from the El Sadar stadium, the Osasuna house. There was speeches, beer, and a lot of encouragement. Marina Negri and Matías Zampini, a couple from the South who went to live in Barcelona a few years ago, walk with a broad smile under the flag of Independiente, the club they love. “I love Messi with all my soul and this is the first match I see on the pitch of the Argentine national team. We were in London until the day before the Grand Final, but we had planned to go to another place. But in order not to stay with the team. here we are “, comments Marina enthusiastically.
The overwhelming call that was in London (more than 60 thousand Argentines) did not exist. The low-caliber rival and the lack of anticipation with which this friendly was announced (just five days ago) prevented the sold out sign from being hung. However, whoever said still present made it clear that passion always makes itself felt. Anywhere, against anyone.
Pamplona. Special delivery.
Nahuel Lanzillotta
Source: Clarin
