From Moonlit Dreams To Victory Celebrations

March 29, 2024
Delfina Slavinsky

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Class of 2025

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The lunar module Eagle of the Apollo 11 mission successfully landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon and walk on its surface.

On December 18, 2022, an entire country achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the Moon and going beyond. Leading this historic mission was our fearless commander: Lionel Andrés Messi. A phenomenal team of individuals, seemingly from another world, propelled Argentina to glory, securing the title of world champions.

As discussions on this topic unfold, dates, goals, and memorable moments flood the minds of every Argentine. The journey began with the first match against Saudi Arabia, where hopes were momentarily dampened but not extinguished. The match against Mexico witnessed Messi's crucial goal in the 64th minute, breathing new life into the Albiceleste selection. The intense battle against the Netherlands showcased the indomitable spirit of the team amid heated rivalries. The final showdown with France revealed the ephemeral nature of victory, and fate was ultimately sealed with Gonzalo Montiel's decisive penalty.

Every conceivable form of life in Argentina seemed to leap, dance, and scream in excitement. The 46-year jinx that had haunted the Land of Silver´s team was shattered, unleashing a lifetime's worth of excitement that resonated with people worldwide.

From the Northern regions of Salta and Jujuy to the Southern reaches of Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz, celebrations erupted. People in Miami, New York, Toronto, Madrid, Santiago de Chile, Paris, Sydney, and across the globe joined in jubilation. Entire nations, including Qatar and Bangladesh, were adorned in the light blue and white colors of Argentina. The entire planet echoed for Argentina.

Image 1: People from Bangladesh watching argentina's final match

In the capital city, a young woman, unable to bear the tension of watching the penalties on her own TV, impulsively hopped on her bike amidst the overwhelming excitement. She pedaled through the bustling main streets of Buenos Aires, where people were anxiously concentrated on the match's decisive penalty. However, her focus was fixed on capturing the raw emotion of the tournament's final goal.

The resulting video is unparalleled, capturing the precise moment of silence of the streets before Argentina clinched the title of world champions. The collective scream of relief echoed through the streets as people unleashed their pent-up emotions. In that unforgettable instant, the city became a symphony of jubilation, and the young woman's recording immortalized the euphoria that swept through the hearts of a nation celebrating its historic triumph. Experience this homeric moment for yourself:

In Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, over one million people poured into the streets, converging around the iconic monument, the Obelisk. This energetic epicenter witnessed joyous crowds, and similar celebrations unfolded in major cities nationwide. A nation historically divided but united by passion, from East to West, sang the same songs and rallied behind the names of the 26 players who transformed their lives and painted them with excitement. 

Among these players, one shone brightest—Lionel Messi. Having achieved everything in his illustrious career, his only remaining debt was to win the World Cup for his country. The final opportunity came with his "dream team," reminiscent of the one that triumphed in the 1992 Olympic Games. As Messi walked out of the Lusail Stadium, a hallowed aura surrounded him, marking not just the culmination of a personal quest but a transcendental moment in the narrative of football. His journey, marked by resilience, unparalleled skill, and unyielding dedication, etched a saga that may never fade from memory. Lionel Messi, the orchestrator of dreams, left an indelible mark on the world stage, elevating not only his own legacy but immortalizing the spirit of a united nation under the banner of the hard and beautiful game.

Delfi is a BBG from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and loves music.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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