Atlanta, the city that vibrates for Messi but does not know that the Copa América begins in three days with Argentina vs. Canada

The driver of the van that left the airport and dropped us off at the accommodation does not understand how four Argentines are in Atlanta to work as journalists if there are no sporting events due to the holidays. The scene repeats itself in which he pilots the car to the accreditation center. The America Cup It is a tournament unknown to most residents of Atlanta, the city that vibrates for Lionel Messi but he doesn’t know that on Thursday the Argentine National Team world champion, against Canada.

In the streets of the capital of the state of Georgia, nothing anticipates what will happen in the imposing Mercedes Benz stadium, which on the outside looks like a striking modern architectural work, but hides inside some 71,000 seats that will be complete when Messi and company start the first steps. on the road to defending the title.

Lots of green space and walking trails that contrast with the cement giants that house most of the region’s important companies in the central part of the city. There is, for example, Coca-Cola world headquarterswhich has its own museum with an entrance fee of just over $20 and the possibility of drinking as much soda as you can during the tour.

A few meters away is the Centennial Olympic Parkwhich remained from that 2006 edition and immediately recalls the attack that paralyzed the world during the Olympic Games that were held in this city.

And that little interest that is sniffed in the city that has its economy ranked 15th in the world and sixth in the United States contrasts with the heat and screams that erupt from the corner of the Westin hotel, where hosts the Argentine National Team since its landing in Atlanta.

The 35 degrees that the thermometers showed during the afternoon complicate the planning of training schedules for Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff, but they do not prevent Argentine fans and other nationalities from standing firm waiting for their idols. Or actually because of his idol.

Because, of course, Lionel Messi monopolizes the screams, the posters and the t-shirts. Beyond that daring, he appeared with the retro Manchester United jersey with the number 7 and “C. Ronaldo” on the back, imitating the Portuguese’s characteristic celebration, which earned him widespread booing from the Argentines.

But what about the Copa América in Atlanta? “Here the culture is American football, it’s not soccer. I think that the Latinos who come from Florida and Miami are bringing the vibe, it’s a shame that there isn’t as much publicity, but we Argentinians are going to fill up and take over.”he told Clarion Agustina Rossi, who arrived from the Federal Capital to Atlanta two and a half years ago and works as a nanny.

Ramiro Zaracho, from Corrientes, who does masonry work for the Mormon religious community in Atlanta, expressed himself along the same lines. “Here they are ‘a-futboleros’, they like baseball, basketball, The passion for football is not seen and we come to print that madness, which was seen when we became world champions and we all met in Centennial Park to celebrate“, held.

And those who set foot in this city for the first time also realize this, as is the case with Juan Helbert and Micaela Mastrovicenzowho saved up to leave Rosario for Atlanta, bet on the Argentine National Team winning the group and being able to follow the path until the final on July 14 in Miami, with their tickets already purchased to try to see the six games.

“People here don’t give a lot of ball to soccer and it shows. Many ask us why so many Argentines gather together and when you explain it to them they say ‘Oh, how nice’ and they leave,” said Helbert.

“We haven’t seen Copa América weather yet“You realize that there are Argentines because we wear our shirts all day,” said Mastrovicenzo, in turn.

There are three days left until Argentina’s debut in a complex tournament, with almost no margin for error, but one that has already gotten used to playing it. It won’t matter that there are no signs or weather, Argentina aims for the ultimate goal and to win its 16th Copa América star.

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