The other Messi devotees: this is how the Bangladesh community in Argentina experienced the defeat of the Scaloneta to Spain

In Buenos Aires, a group of Bangladeshi residents gathered at the Fan Fest in Plaza Seeber, in the Palermo district, to show their support for Argentina’s national team during its match against Spain. The crowd expressed their admiration for Lionel Messi, with one attendee stating, “We do this out of love for our country and for Messi.” The event highlighted the deep emotional connection between the two nations, despite the geographical distance. The gathering took place on July 19, 2026, following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup match. Over 90 percent of Bangladesh's population follows Islam, yet the nation has developed a unique form of devotion centered around football, particularly towards Messi. This passion transcends religious boundaries, uniting millions through shared enthusiasm for the sport. The Bangladeshi community in Buenos Aires, numbering approximately 300 individuals, traveled long distances to witness the event, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to Argentina and its star player. Ashik, a 32-year-old member of the community, made the 17,000-kilometer journey from Dhaka to Buenos Aires to experience the atmosphere of the game. He emphasized that the affection for Argentina goes beyond sports, describing it as “pure love” and expressing his unconditional support for Messi. His sentiment was echoed by others present, who described their feelings toward the Argentine captain as steadfast and unshakable. Hasan, representing the community in Buenos Aires, noted that many members arrived in the city over the past decade, with some joining more recently. He explained that he has been helping fellow Bangladeshis relocate since arriving ten years ago. Rony, a 27-year-old participant, recounted how his father gave him his first flag at age five, a symbol of his early connection to Argentina and Messi. When asked what Messi represents in his life, Rony hesitated before concluding, “It is something indescribable.” Before the match began, the group sang the national anthem in perfect harmony, showcasing their unity and dedication. As the game progressed, tension grew among the spectators, especially after Spain took control of the first half. The substitution of Lisandro Martínez for Nicolás Otamendi surprised many, but the crowd remained composed, maintaining their smiles throughout the match. Abishek, a 34-year-old who moved to Argentina two years ago, likened his new home to Bangladesh, saying, “For me, Bangladesh and Argentina are the same thing.” He works in the electronics trade in Once, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires with a significant Bangladeshi presence. He described the streets of Azcuénaga and Pasteur as filled with the voices of his fellow citizens, reinforcing the sense of community they have built in the city. Sadik, a 29-year-old, used a video call to connect with his cousin, Akter, back in Bangladesh. He showed images of the large crowds gathered in the area, drawing parallels between the scenes in Buenos Aires and those in Dhaka. The atmosphere in both cities was similar, with fans passionately supporting Argentina’s national team. Despite the strong bond between the two countries, Ashik acknowledged that there were moments in the past when some critics questioned Messi’s performance. However, he pointed out that Bangladeshi supporters of the Argentine team always stood by their side, showing their distinct loyalty to the squad. Their continued support reflects a deeper cultural and emotional investment in the success of Argentina’s football team.