From Buenos Aires to Rosario .. Argentina lives to the rhythm of "Leo's Dream"

Led by Lionel Messi (Leo), who crowned his legend four years ago in Qatar by winning the only title missing from his collection, the Argentinians, elated by the epic victory over the "enemy" England, are hoping to "touch the sky" again when they face Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday in New Jersey.

It is true that the ultimate dream would be to retain the world title and place the fourth star on the national team's jersey, but the Argentinians are ready to celebrate on Sunday for an exceptional generation, regardless of the outcome.

Even more than during a crazy month of football, in which the country experienced near paralysis, Buenos Aires was adorned in sky blue and white, with images of players and flags present everywhere, from shop fronts to official buildings, balconies, cars, and even delivery bikes.

In a country where murals glorifying "the god" Maradona are widespread, with increasing images of Messi as well, cities and neighborhoods are organizing their own initiatives, from "banderazo" (a celebratory gathering around the flag) to other meetings to express support for the national team from afar.

In Rosario, the hometown of captain Messi, who shows no signs of aging despite his 39 years, fans gathered under a giant jersey measuring 22 meters long, lifted by a crane, bearing the number 10 and the phrase "Thank you Leo, you are a legend."

In the small town of Patán, located 400 kilometers south of the capital, residents displayed a giant flag measuring one kilometer long, hand-sewn over several weeks.

In conversations among fans, the optimism based on "grinta," meaning fighting spirit and resilience shown by the team, is no less than the superstitions and preventive pessimism; some even refuse to talk about the match for fear of "mufa," the evil eye, which is taken seriously there in relation to football.