NOTES FROM SUE

We didn’t know we were going to be in Argentina for the 2022 FIFA World Cup season until we were already there. A friend saw our location on social media and alerted us to the game dates. As it turned out, we were there for two games including the quarterfinal.

To say we were underinformed is an understatement. But we learned quickly. And everything in Buenos Aires was focused on the Cup. Everything.

The obsession goes way back – at least as far as Diego Maradona bringing home the 1986 World Cup championship. Diego passed away in November 2020 and continues to be revered in murals and statues and adoring tributes all over the City but especially in his beloved Boca district. I had an opportunity to survey some locals at a Boca market area as to who was more important –Diego or Il Papa/the Pope? Of 30 asked, 26 strongly replied “Diego” with one young lady, under the watchful eye of her father, whispering to me “Mi corazon Diego” while loudly proclaiming the Pope for her father’s ears.

But when asked who was better – Diego or Messi – it was a different reply. All indicated Lionel Messi was a better player, better man, father and husband. BUT….he could never be better than Maradona unless he brought home the Cup.