If, on the lawn, the final must be a replica of what is happening on the forecourt of Lusail Stadium, you might as well hand over the cup to Lionel Messi right away.
The meager handfuls of blue supporters who came by their own means and not with the official group pale in comparison to the mass of Hinchas, their Argentinian counterparts.
Already in the red line of the metro, the one that leads to the stadium, the trains were crowded with sky and white.
And the chants to the glory of Messi and Maradona were the only sound of the trip.
In front of the metro, an uninterrupted line of supporters moves smoothly towards the stadium.
Everything is perfectly organized.
And besides, the device, now well oiled by the flow of crowds, gives its full measure.
In the middle, the French contemplate with admiration the hordes of Argentines passing in front of them without the slightest aggressiveness.
Just a few “Messi, Messi” sung a little louder when they see French jerseys.
“Frankly, it's great to see that, blows Francis, a retiree from Bordeaux.
I was in Moscow four years ago and I hope it will be the same end.
But there, we feel such passion among the Argentines.
It's impressive.
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Arrival via Metro at Lusail Stadium for World Cup final pic.twitter.com/LilEXNCor5
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) December 18, 2022
Further on, other French people are amazed by the architecture of the Lusail Stadium.
“It has nothing to do with what we saw on television, smiles Isabelle, a liberal nurse who came with her husband and another couple of friends from Poitiers.
This is my husband's birthday present.
For its fiftieth anniversary, we wanted something exceptional.
When we bought our tickets, we hoped that France would be in the final but we weren't sure.
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Messi tattoos everywhere
Fifty meters still to circle around the enclosure of the final and the first fanatics appear.
They are easy to recognize because they are all disguised as Gauls.
“It is certain that at the start of the match, we will not hear much, notes Manu, a teacher from Yvelines.
But, if all goes well, we will hear less from the Argentines.
".
He too is quite amazed, however, by the Argentine fervor.
“It is not a legend that this story that Messi is their god, he insists.
Most impressive is the number of people who have tattooed Messi's name or head on their arms.
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In the distance, the Argentinian drums are already heard.
When you approach the Hinchas, the atmosphere is nevertheless relaxed despite a "we don't speak to the French" launched with a big smile.
“It may be the greatest day of my life, ignites Gabriella, a blonde in her thirties.
We have to win.
It's impossible for Lionel Messi not to lift the cup.
Sorry but it's just impossible because…” The rest of his sentence is lost in the howls of his compatriots “Messi, Messi…”
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