Bangladesh has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, yet every four years when Argentina plays, neighborhoods across the country erupt in celebration. Abdul Hai, a 50-year-old in Dhaka, traces his devotion to the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona led Argentina to the title. "I fell in love with Maradona in 1986," Hai said. "His style, his passion, his skill – everything captivated us."

Former Bangladesh national football team coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said Argentina's support first took root in 1986. "Argentina became the counter to Brazil," Manik said. He believes Argentina's defeat in 1990 only strengthened the bond. "When Maradona couldn't lift the trophy and cried after the final, that touched ordinary people here."

The younger generation is more enthralled by Messi's tricks. Dwin Islam, a private-sector employee, said: "I have loved Argentina since I was a child, especially because of Messi." Mohammad Jahir inherited his allegiance from his father. "My father has been a fan of Argentina. I inherited that support," he said.

Argentina's ambassador in Bangladesh, Marcelo Carlos Cesa, has been joining fans at public screenings. In 2023, Argentina reopened its embassy in Dhaka after a 45-year absence. Officials from both countries have pointed to football as a catalyst for closer people-to-people ties.

However, sports journalist Shahanoor Rabbani laments that Bangladesh's passion has never translated into footballing success. "We have so much passion, yet our football team and our sports in general are nowhere near where they should be," he said. Former coach Manik criticized the lack of a proper system. "Young people aren't asking Bangladesh to qualify for the World Cup tomorrow. They simply want a roadmap," he said.

Rabbani pointed to Bangladesh's cricket success as proof that investment can transform the national mood. "When Bangladesh qualified for the Cricket World Cup in 1997, the whole country celebrated. If sport can give the country that sort of happiness, then why shouldn't there be more investment in sport?"

Source: www.aljazeera.com