MIAMI — Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his team’s supporters would once again act as a “12th player” as thousands of fans descended on Miami ahead of Friday’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Cape Verde, creating a home-like atmosphere for the defending champions.
Miami has become a second home for Argentina captain Lionel Messi since his move to Inter Miami in 2023, while the region is home to an estimated 30,000 Argentines, the largest concentration of the country’s expatriates in any metropolitan area in the United States.
With tens of thousands of additional supporters traveling to Florida for the knockout match, local estimates suggest as many as 60,000 Argentina fans could be inside Miami Stadium when kickoff arrives.
Scaloni welcomed the overwhelming support, saying the connection between the players and supporters continues to provide an emotional boost rather than additional pressure.
“Their support is something that I love,” Scaloni told reporters on Thursday. “We feel their support, they strengthen us and it’s not extra pressure for us. I hope that they enjoy seeing their team and hopefully we can bring them joy.”
“Our fans are our 12th player. Our players were Argentina fans when they were little. Now they’re wearing this jersey. I think that this shows the team’s character.”
The atmosphere around Miami reflected that enthusiasm long before matchday.
Hundreds of Argentina supporters gathered at a beachfront park for a traditional Banderazo, waving national flags and banners featuring Messi alongside the late Diego Maradona holding the World Cup trophy.
Supporters grilled large cuts of beef over charcoal barbecues while drums, music and chants filled the park after an early thunderstorm passed through the city.
Some fans even ventured into the sea despite heavy patches of seaweed, continuing to sing songs celebrating Argentina’s football heroes.
Although Scaloni stressed that Cape Verde deserved respect despite entering the match as underdogs, many supporters expressed little doubt about the outcome.
“Argentina is going to come away with a very good 3-0, 2-0 victory, and that’s it,” supporter Geronimo Guenen said during the gathering.
“Argentina has everything it needs to win; it has a very good team, Messi is in very good form, he’s had that throughout his career, and now, above all, we can compete with anyone.”
Argentina, seeking a fourth World Cup title, enter the knockout stage carrying high expectations after advancing from the group phase and will look to capitalize on the overwhelming backing expected from their supporters as they continue their title defense.
