What You Need to Know
• Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina in their World Cup match against Algeria on June 17, 2026.
• Thousands of fans in Dhaka, Bangladesh, celebrated Argentina’s victory, despite the country never qualifying for a FIFA World Cup.
• Abdul Hai, a lifelong Argentina supporter, has followed the team since the 1986 World Cup led by Diego Maradona.
Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national football team, scored a hat-trick during Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 17, 2026. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, thousands of fans celebrated the victory, chanting and waving flags, even though Bangladesh has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Abdul Hai, a 50-year-old lifelong supporter, shared his passion for Argentina, tracing it back to the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona led the team to victory. Hai expressed that witnessing Messi lift the World Cup in 2022 brought him immense joy, contrasting with the apprehension he felt in previous tournaments. The celebration in Dhaka mirrored the fervor typically seen in Argentina, demonstrating the global reach of football fandom.
Why It Matters
Argentina’s football legacy, particularly through figures like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, has significantly influenced global football culture. The 1986 World Cup victory, marked by Maradona’s iconic performances, established a deep-rooted support for Argentina in countries like Bangladesh. This ongoing enthusiasm showcases the sport’s ability to unite fans across vast distances, despite local teams not participating in the World Cup. The passion displayed by Bangladeshi fans highlights the cultural impact of football, transcending national boundaries and creating a shared sense of community among supporters worldwide.
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