The big day has arrived. Spain and Argentina are already counting down the hours to play the final of the 2026 World Cup, a duel that keeps millions of fans on both sides of the Atlantic on tenterhooks. While the players finalize their preparation before taking to the pitch, the match has already begun to be played in the streets of cities such as Zaragoza, where Spaniards and Argentines warm up on an afternoon marked by chants, flags and passion for football. While the center of the Aragonese capital is dyed red and yellow with thousands of followers of La Roja, the Argentine community lives its own preview with a large flag in Macanaz Park.
Dozens of Argentines have gathered on the left bank of the Ebro proudly waving the Albiceleste flag. Chants, hugs and music have accompanied the countdown to a final that can give the Argentine team its fourth World Cup.
It has not taken long for the names that are part of the history of Argentine football to appear. «Maradooo, Maradooo!», those present have chanted over and over again, remembering the eternal Diego Armando Maradona. Shortly after, the chants have been directed towards Leo Messi, the captain of the current national team and the great idol of a generation that dreams of seeing him win a new World Cup in what will most likely be his last participation.
A PREVIEW MARKED BY RESPECT
Far from being experienced as a concentration of tension, the Argentine fans’ preview has been marked by respect and coexistence. Thecall, promoted by the Instagram account @argentinosenzaragoza, has wanted to distance itself from any confrontation. Although it was initially planned in the Plaza de La Seo, just a few days ago the organization decided to move it to Macanaz Park to avoid coinciding with the large concentration of Spanish fans in the Plaza del Pilar.
«We know that we are playing against the country that hosts us and opens its doors to us every day. Our best dribble has to be to get together from joy and respect. Let it be a football party!», the organizers posted on their social networks, a message that has been transferred to the atmosphere experienced throughout the afternoon among the attendees.
