It is now a common topic among the Argentines that a passionate fanbase back in Bangladesh are madly following their national football team far away from the South American nation.
This affection has not come all of a sudden, but a culmination of a legacy that started with the great Diego Maradona in the 1980s, and continued by many stars, including their current No 10 Lionel Messi.
While talking to Argentine journalist Sabastian Roggero, covering the World Cup in Qatar for La Voz Del Interior, it was understood that even in Argentina, people acknowledge the affection showed by the people of Bangladesh.
“In Argentina, in particular, people are surprised by this affection towards Messi and the national team. And at this time, press reports are abound, explaining the how and why of such great affection,” he said.
“Another situation that impacts Argentines is seeing so many people from Bangladesh here in Doha wearing Argentine shirts.”
Caludio Jose, who came with his family from La Plata to enjoy Argentina's journey, responded wholeheartedly when asked about Bangladesh.
“We all are very overwhelmed. Many people and journalists are coming to talk to us about Bangladesh seeing us wearing Argentina jersey. They are all nice people and informed us about the situation in Bangladesh,” said the 37-year old.
“I wish I can someday go to Bangladesh and see an Argentina match from there with the local fans.
Cndelaria Pinero, 35, teaches violin in Cordoba and is currently celebrating Argentina's World Cup successes from home.
She and her fellow Argentines are also quite aware of the people of Bangladesh, and their love for Messi and Co.
“I don't know much about Bangladesh, but I do know that it is a country with many football fans. Knowing that in Bangladesh there are many fans of Argentine football makes me feel a little proud, since through this means of football are we recognized worldwide,” she said.
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Bangladesh's love for the Albiceleste is not a secret anymore as the madness of football fans of this small South Asian country, so far away from Latin America, is now a hot topic among the media across the world.
Bangladesh people, despite not possessing a great national team, follow football passionately especially when it comes to the World Cup after every four years, and have a large fanbase for Argentina, Brazil and other European countries.
Leandro E. Gabardi, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Argentina, erupted with pleasure when asked about Bangladesh, and complimented the nation and its people.
“I have traveled to Bangladesh on several occasions, and I have experienced their affection for Argentina and us as well. Whenever I tried to convey those feelings and shared feelings towards us, it was always something difficult to explain to my compatriots,” he said.
“Today, I can assure you that in my country, the love and fanaticism that Bangladesh shares for us have been witnessed in a very visible way. Nowadays, every Argentine knows who Bangladesh is and I dare to say that they are very grateful and fascinated with all of you.
As part of his job, Gabardi travels to Bangladesh frequently and has a good knowledge about its people and economy.
“They are learning that Bangladesh is a resilient country, made up of affectionate people with good intentions who work day after day to have a better country. The local media also recognizes your people as warriors and heroes who have fought for their liberation, makers of their own destiny,” he added.
“We have received countless photos and videos with the support of the people of Bengal. The people here were impressed and understood the inexplicable, the magic that happens thousands of kilometers away, in a country that does not share the same culture, religion or language. How can it be that there is so much love and sense of belonging for our country, at the point of carrying our Argentine flag - our colors, our national pride - as their own banner!
The International Business graduate wants to utilize the relation and work for the benefit of both the nations.
“I hope that the affection offered by you and this connection that is being generated will contribute to the construction and development of the relations between our peoples, now twinned. Let's work together to be better and better, living together peacefully and in pursuit of the growth of our peoples,” he said.
“Once again, we thank you for your unconditional support and we hope we can all meet together next year through an international match to celebrate our brotherhood.”