Argentine embassy in Jamaica holds its breath
Published:Sunday | December 18, 2022 | 2:34 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
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ON THE cusp of ending a nearly 40-year drought for a world title, chargé d’affaires at the Argentinian Embassy José Grande Perez says that World Cup glory for Argentina would not only be the crowning achievement for their captain Lionel Messi, but...
ON THE cusp of ending a nearly 40-year drought for a world title, chargé d’affaires at the Argentinian Embassy José Grande Perez says that World Cup glory for Argentina would not only be the crowning achievement for their captain Lionel Messi, but bring light to a country amid economic challenges.
The World Cup final, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Jamaica time, will see Messi lead the Albicelestes against Kylian Mbappé and reigning champions France, which would be legacy-defining for the victor for various reasons.
Messi could either add the final piece of hardware to a stellar résumé or France could be the first repeat champions in 60 years.
While it has been a strong tournament on the field for Argentina, it has been a difficult year for the country, dealing with high inflation with its poverty rate nearing 40 per cent. Even with the difficulties of this year, fans have made the trip to Qatar, giving the team a home-field advantage. In what could be Messi’s final World Cup game, Perez says that success would be the realisation of a dream for every Argentine.
“Fanaticism and passion for soccer are two characteristics that have always marked Argentines. Pride in the team and the desire for Messi to win the World Cup, after 36 years without winning the title, is a (dream) for the majority of citizens, who have been passionate about the team since they were born,” Perez told The Sunday Gleaner.
“Winning the World Cup would mean great joy for Argentina, especially in this context of economic crisis.”
Amid their challenges, the fans have seen a team that has rebounded since that shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game. Messi is tied with Mbappé for the golden boot with five goals and Julián Álvarez has played a role with four goals for a team that he says has been expertly guided by head coach Lionel Scaloni and his staff, all consisting of former players. But it is the resilience that the team has shown in this tournament since the Saudi Arabia game that Perez has been impressed with.
“The humility, intelligence and experience of the Argentine soccer team have been the most important. Also the intelligence and experience of the entire coaching staff – made up of former soccer players such as Pablo Aimar, Roberto Ayala and Walter Samuel,” Perez noted.
“From the beginning, the technical body has been at the service of the needs of each sporting match that the national team played.
“When doubts arose, the players responded. And they showed they know how to suffer and play under the pressure of not being able to afford one more setback.”
He will be wary of what France have to offer, noting that if they are not careful France will take advantage of any slip-ups with Mbappé and Olivier Giroud particularly dangerous, scoring a combined nine goals for France during their run to the final.
Although Messi is continuously compared and critiqued against the late great Diego Maradona, who won their last title in 1986, Perez said he was not concerned about that but more about the achievement for the nation, with him believing Messi has done everything asked of him at this tournament.
“I am convinced that we are going to win the World Cup. What I can say is that Lionel Messi is at his best. This is the feeling that I have.”