Impromptu Times Square Watch Party Unites Fans for Messi Match
On a night near 42nd Street in Times Square, a group of Colombian football fans, wrapped in their national flag, gathered to watch a match involving Argentina and Algeria. They had expected a free public watch party, but finding none, they improvised. With smartphones in hand, they created their own gathering on the pavement, soon joined by Argentines and other football enthusiasts.
The impromptu assembly grew into a vibrant, multicultural crowd, united by admiration for one player: Lionel Messi. “We have our differences, politically and ideologically. We might be rivals on a football field, we have local favourites, and we argue we are the best. But we all agree that Messi is the best player in the world,” said Fernando Arcucci, a member of the Albiceleste NYC fan group.
The mood of the gathering swung with every touch of the ball. Just five minutes into the match, a roar erupted as Messi found the net, only for the assistant referee’s offside flag to silence the cheers. “Esto es una injusticia” — this is injustice — some shouted. But anticipation lingered in the warm New York air. When Messi scored again in the 17th minute, chaos broke loose. Fans replayed the goal on their screens, mimicking the iconic Latin American goal cry, “Gooaaaaalll.” Arcucci added, “The truth is, we are never bored of watching. You can watch him forever.”
Around Times Square, restaurants and bars advertised World Cup specials and watch parties. Flags of competing nations hung from ceilings. Many establishments were packed, forcing fans to linger outside, craning their necks toward television screens. On the sidewalks, vendors reported that replica Messi shirts sold faster than beer and tacos.
The local Argentine community had booked venues like Buena Vista restaurant on Ninth Avenue weeks in advance, while similar scenes unfolded in Queens’ Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. “We don’t like watching the games alone or just with family. But together with friends, relatives, neighbours and even strangers,” Arcucci said.
Meanwhile, a few avenues away, two fans were living a different kind of football dream. Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto had been selected from thousands of applicants to be “Chief Football Watchers,” paid $50,000 each to watch every game for 40 days, create social media content, and engage with fans. Their cubicle stood as a contrast to the spontaneous street party, yet both reflected the global reach of the sport.