Argentine bar in SP celebrates in a grandstand atmosphere, idolizing Messi and many Brazilians

When the referee whistled the end of the game, they took to the street. The cars passing by or the rush of people, manifested in horns or bikers doodling in traffic, didn’t matter. What mattered was Argentina’s victory and the “perfect close” to Lionel Messi in the World Cup.

The songs in homage to Maradona took over Rua da Mooca, in the neighborhood of the same name (east zone of São Paulo). The street houses the Moocaires bar, in allusion to the capital Buenos Aires, whose owner is Argentine.

At a nearby post, other fans celebrated, danced and threw beer in the air, practically calm with the result achieved in the first half against Croatia. The match ended in a 3-0 victory for Alviceleste.

At Moocaires, the atmosphere was that of bleachers, and most of them were Brazilians. There were no tables, just chairs set up on the top floor of the bar. Most fans watched standing up.

It was where veterinarian Fábio Boccia, 34, and his son Gael, 4, watched the game, which ended in a 3-0 victory for Argentina.

“I wanted him to feel that atmosphere. That tenacity of Argentina, which lost a few times, but continued to persevere, fighting, like few teams do. It’s Messi’s farewell, the chance to crown a perfect career”, he said, excited.

“I’m not of Argentine descent, but I’ve been rooting for them since I understand football. It’s the passion of a lifetime. And I say more: come France, come Morocco, whoever comes. I want to see who Mbappé is next to Lionel Messi”, he concluded .

Gael was smiling with the manifestations of the other fans, who closed the street for almost the entire interval of the game. When a car with the Brazilian flag passed in front of the bar, it was soon stopped and surrounded.

The fans, laughing, placed the Argentine flag on top of the hood, covering the Brazilian one, and joked with the driver, who took it all in stride.

Most tributes were paid to Maradona, with shirts emblazoned with the star’s nickname, El Pibe, or santinhos de Dios.

Parking supervisor Marcelo França, 47, was in character, wearing a hat, pennant and drawing on his face. He drew attention among many, walking and celebrating from one side to the other.

“My friend, what I’m feeling here is inexplicable. It’s a very strong feeling, a joy that we know well. It’s been many years without having an important achievement to celebrate, but things are getting better and a World Cup can crown this very well. Sunday I’m here again”, he said.

After the game, Argentine Damian, 40, from Buenos Aires, provoked the Brazilian team, which was eliminated by Croatia. “Warn Brazil that Croatia was difficult.”

Argentina faces the winner of France and Morocco next Sunday (18th), at 12h. If there’s one thing to be said for Messi’s farewell, it’s that it will be celebrated around the world. Even in Brazil.