When Lionel Messi was acknowledging the supporters at the end of the hard-fought quarter-final, celebrating in the stands at Lusail stadium were schoolmates Suryasarathi Dasgupta, Sukirti Ghosh and Dipanjan Dasgupta.
The three South Pointers had converged in Qatar from Boston and Washington DC in the US and Manchester in the UK to watch the Argentine icon in action.
“As Barcelona fans, we had watched Messi in an El Clasico against archrivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou. Then I travelled to Russia for the last World Cup and enjoyed the ambience so much that I convinced them to target Qatar for what might be Messi’s last Cup campaign,” said Dipanjan.
He took charge of tickets and Sukirti did the research on lodging. Finally, they landed in Qatar on December 6.
“The Argentina-Holland match was at 10pm, so we hopped over to Hayya Fan Zone to watch the first half of the Brazil match. By the time the match went into extra time, we were in front of a screen inside the Lusail stadium complex. The Argentine supporters seemed to enjoy Brazil’s exit,” said Sukirti.
Their seats were behind the corner post in Holland’s half.
“That means we watched (Nahuel) Molina’s goal, the brawl towards the end and the penalties. That defence-slicing pass from Messi for the first goal was worth our trip to Qatar.”
Ninety-five per cent of the stadium backed La Albiceleste.
“Our match experience was enhanced by watching a group of five Argentines go through the emotions of backing their own nation. The stadium was chanting Messi’s name all through, even during the team practice. But before Messi took both the penalties, the group asked us to be quiet so he could focus. We were amazed at how mature they were as spectators. And when it was the turn of the opponents to step up for the spot kick, they went wild with boos and catcalls to distract them,” laughed Sukirti.
The onus for keeping the supporters motivated seemed to be on a large group camping behind a goalpost.
“They seemed to initiate all the new moves and chants,” Dipanjan said.
Suryasarathi admitted he had been nervous when Holland drew level. But Dipanjan was resolute in his belief.
“After the victory, we stayed back for over an hour in the stadium and celebrated,” he said.
On Saturday, the three went their separate ways with a common prayer on the lips — to see Messi lift the Cup.
