Kolkata's Passion for Argentina: A City United for the World Cup Final
Kolkata's Unique Connection to Argentina
Despite having no direct cultural or political ties to Argentina, Kolkata will fervently support the South American team during their match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The distance of over 16,000 kilometers and the absence of a shared language or history do not deter the city's enthusiasm. Many residents will stay awake late into the night, eager to witness Argentina potentially make history by winning consecutive FIFA World Cup titles, while also celebrating the legendary Lionel Messi's final international appearance.
The excitement is palpable as the final approaches. Streets in Kolkata are adorned with blue-and-white flags and murals of Argentine football stars, especially in FIFA Gully, also known as Fakir Chakraborty Lane in Beniatola. Local tea stalls and paras buzz with conversations about their long-standing admiration for Argentina. The West Bengal government has even organized public screenings of the final at cultural venues like Nandan and various districts across the state.
With Messi likely donning Argentina's colors for the last time, the fervor among fans has reached new heights. The city's affection for Argentina can be traced back to the days of Diego Maradona, who captivated local football enthusiasts during the 1986 World Cup. Many remember watching Maradona's brilliance on color television as he led Argentina to victory.
Sayan Ghosh, a journalist from Kolkata, noted, "Given that this is Messi's last World Cup and Argentina is the defending champion, the number of supporters has surged. The excitement is unprecedented, not just in Kolkata but also in the suburbs." He added that while many younger fans may have initially supported Spain after their 2010 World Cup win, the passion for Argentina has eclipsed that for Spain.
Messi Mania in Kolkata
In South 24 Parganas, supporters have been seen praying at local temples while waving Argentina flags and displaying Messi posters, especially as the sacred month of Shravan begins. Auto-rickshaws are also decorated with Argentine flags, reflecting the hope for victory. The anticipation is heightened by the possibility of Argentina becoming the first team in over 60 years to win back-to-back World Cups, following in the footsteps of Italy and Brazil.
Messi's chance to achieve what Maradona could not has further fueled the excitement. "Maradona's influence on Argentina's popularity in Kolkata is immense, but he never won two World Cups consecutively. After winning in 1986, Argentina lost in the 1990 final. Now, older fans who witnessed Maradona's magic are eager to see if Messi can succeed where he did not," Das explained.
Dr. Subhransu Roy, a history professor, remarked that if Messi wins, it could create a generational shift in football fandom. "Bengalis have a long-standing tradition of supporting Argentina. The passion for Messi is evident everywhere, and even those who typically do not follow football are engaged in discussions about him. This World Cup final could redefine how younger fans perceive football legends, potentially overshadowing Maradona's legacy for some," he stated.
The Messi phenomenon has also influenced local league matches, with fans showing less interest in the performances of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, instead focusing on international matches and players like Jude Bellingham. The World Cup fever has taken hold, with Argentina fans playfully teasing supporters of Brazil and Portugal.
As Argentina prepares to take the field on Sunday night, the excitement will resonate not just in New Jersey, Buenos Aires, or Messi's hometown, but throughout West Bengal, where fans will celebrate every moment in hopes of witnessing history unfold.