‘Argentinians could be born anywhere in the world’

For a country thousands of kilometres away from Buenos Aires, Bangladesh has developed one of the most passionate Argentina fan communities in the world.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, images of Bangladeshi supporters celebrating Argentina’s victories spread across social media, surprising many Argentinians and creating a new emotional connection between the two nations.
As Argentina beat England in the World Cup semi-final, that bond has once again come into focus. 
Speaking about Bangladesh’s passionate support, Pedro Benedetti, an Argentine bio-engineer, scientist, and football enthusiast, said that the scenes from the 2022 World Cup celebrations left a lasting impression on people in Argentina. 
The scenes of thousands of Bangladeshi fans wearing Argentina jerseys, waving flags and celebrating every goal made many Argentinians aware of a country they previously knew little about. 
“Bangladeshis celebrated like they were Argentinians,” Benedetti said. 
For him, the connection is so strong that national identity itself seems to transcend geography. “Argentinians can be born anywhere in the world,” he noted.
Agustin Musso, an Argentine economist and Racing Club fan, stated that Argentinians felt grateful and excited after discovering the scale of support the Albiceleste had in Bangladesh.
“The passion was incredible,” Musso said, adding that social media played a major role in showing Argentinians the celebrations taking place thousands of kilometres away.

Football, identity and resistance
Musso said that the 2022 World Cup strengthened the connection between the two nations, while the reopening of the Argentine embassy in Bangladesh also became part of recognising and celebrating this new bond.
Both interviewees believe that football has the potential to become a form of cultural diplomacy between Argentina and Bangladesh.
For Musso, football creates a unique space where countries and people can connect regardless of economic differences.
“Money doesn’t matter,” he added, explaining that football can reduce the gap between powerful and less powerful nations once teams step onto the pitch. “The odds become a little more equal.”
Benedetti also highlighted football’s ability to give a voice to countries and communities that have historically challenged stronger powers. He referred to Diego Maradona’s legacy, particularly the emotions surrounding Argentina’s historic rivalry with England.
For him, Maradona represented more than football, he represented resistance and the ability of a nation to stand against a more powerful opponent.

Settling history on the pitch
Argentina’s relationship with football has been built over generations.
From Maradona’s influence in the 1980s to Messi’s modern-day greatness, the sport has become deeply connected to Argentine culture. The relationship between Argentina and England has long been complicated by political and historical tensions, including the legacy of British influence in Argentina and the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War.
For many Argentinians, the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England represented more than a football match.
Maradona’s performance became a moment of national pride, a victory against a country that many Argentinians viewed through the lens of historical conflict.
For Musso, that particular win was a way of saying: “We are able to improve a game that was created by you.”
Benedetti said that this symbolism extends beyond Argentina.
“It represents all countries affected by power,” he said, explaining that nations with histories of being dominated or exploited can identify with the emotions surrounding such moments. “We have to answer on the pitch.”
The support from Bangladesh, he believes, reflects that same emotional connection, as Bangladesh is a country that shares its own history of colonial rule under the British Empire and understands the symbolism of smaller nations challenging greater powers.

Pressure on Messi and Argentina’s new generation
For years, Argentina’s World Cup hopes were closely linked with Messi.
But both Benedetti and Musso are of the opinion that the current squad has developed enough confidence to share that responsibility.
Musso said that the new generation, mentioning players such as Julian Alvarez has greater confidence and believes they have what it takes to win. “The new generation will have it easier,” he elucidated, explaining that the team now has the confidence required to compete at the highest level.

The wait for another final
If Argentina win another World Cup, Benedetti believes that the celebrations will be extraordinary.
“It will be madness,” he hoped.
According to Benedetti, Argentina’s current strength comes from unity, confidence and determination.
Musso said that another final would provide Argentina’s new generation with an opportunity to prove itself and settle unfinished business.

A friendship beyond football
Regardless of the result against England, both Benedetti and Musso believe that the relationship between Argentina and Bangladesh has already become something meaningful. For millions of Bangladeshi supporters, Argentina may be a distant country on the map.
But through football, the distance has become much smaller.
And as Benedetti said, Argentinians can indeed be born anywhere in the world.