Again, the joyous blue and white tide and its solar flags waving in the summer wind. Argentina celebrated after defeating France in the final of the Men’s World Cup on 18 December. It prolongs the celebration, still just as exuberant, passionate, two days later: the champions return from Qatar and 5 million people, a huge figure for a country of 47 million inhabitants, come to applaud them in the streets of Buenos Aires.
As amazed by this outburst, Manuel, 18, pauses in the shade before joining the obelisk, the rallying point for supporters, in the center of the capital. “The players gave their all on the pitch. They deserve all the affection of the Argentine people. I am so happy ! », he is moved, spontaneously associating himself with the colors of Albiceleste and the collective joy. Manuel was born in Paraguay, like almost a third of immigrants in Argentina – the first country of origin represented, before Bolivia and Peru. He joined Buenos Aires two years ago, where his father had already migrated, in search of work. “My arrival was very easy. I feel welcomed and grateful to this country,” says this air conditioning installer who came close to having a heart attack and cried during the final.
When she talks about her joy, Tina, a 38-year-old Paraguayan – employed in a delicatessen and in Argentina for eight years – suddenly has a lump in her throat: “We suffered but we won! I say thank you to Argentina, which opened its doors to me and gave me work that I couldn’t find in my country. » Thus, during this World Cup which galvanized an entire country, many immigrants donned the jersey of the national team, vibrated to the rhythm of goals and extra time, and confirmed their bond of belonging with their host country, in an emotion that unites their migratory history with the palpitations of victory.
“This membership is not surprising, it reflects the inclusion of migrants. Ana Paula Penchaszadeh, migration specialist at the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research
Once the euphoria has passed, they turn around, a bit flabbergasted. “I had never experienced a World Cup this way! », laughs Yerlin, 27, a Venezuelan, living in Buenos Aires for two years. How ? “Well, I bought my 6 month old a blue and white tutu and the whole outfit! I was won over by the emotion of the Argentines. This union, I think it’s great! The people are so nice, it reinforced my feeling of well-being here,” emphatically transmits the young woman, manager of the Venezuelan bakery Donna, in Buenos Aires.
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