Vamos Argentina: why so many Irish are supporting La Scaloneta

Opinion: Argentina is home to the fifth largest Irish diaspora in the world which explains the interest here in the team of Messi and Mac Allister

What does it mean for Argentina to have qualified for the World Cup final against France this Sunday? As an Argentinian that has adopted Ireland as home for over 10 years, I am fortunate to have encountered mutual love and admiration between our countries. It brings a special sense of joy to be surrounded by a community that is proud to wear the Argentine colours and ready to cheer to each 'Vamos Argentina' and ‘Viva Messi’ in every match.

Celebrations at Guiry's Bar in Foxford, Co. Mayo began trending during the quarter-finals when locals gathered to watch Argentina, something of a tradition for the past few world cups. But the town’s love for the country runs much deeper than passion for football and is actually linked to the life of their most famous son, Admiral William Brown.

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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Moira Wilkinson and Vincent Guérend, ambassadors from Argentina and France respectively, give their predictions for the World Cup final.

He was the founding father of the Argentine Navy and adopted Argentine son, who became known as the protector of the Seas. In a Facebook post this week, the Embassy of Argentina in Ireland expressed their happiness in joining ‘our siblings in Foxford’ in supporting the national team before their thrilling 3-0 victory against Croatia.

The history of Irish–Argentinian relations is a topic