World Cup: The song that has Messi and millions of Argentinians singing

Argentina are through to the World Cup final and Lionel Messi is swirling his finger in the air vigorously. After

a masterclass against Croatia in the semi-final

on Tuesday, La Albiceleste’s captain is in the mood to play conductor again. 

Rodrigo de Paul, who pulls the strings in midfield, plays second fiddle beside Messi and is in full voice next to the maestro. 

The bulk of the 88,966 capacity crowd at Lusail Stadium sing in unison with the squad. The chorus also rings out in Argentina - population 45 million - and even at an outdoor screening at The Lawn at Chijmes in Singapore. 

The fans and players bellow: “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar. Quiero ganar la tercera. Quiero ser campeon mundial.” (“Boys, now we’re dreaming again. I want to win for the third time, I want to be a world champion.”)

Written by a fan, Fernando Romero in September 2021, this version of the tune, which originates from Argentine band La Mosca’s Muchachos hit, paints the picture of Argentina’s rollercoaster journey over the last few years, from heartbreaking moments to a long-awaited Copa America triumph in 2021, which sparked confidence ahead of the World Cup.

It is a song that has become a rallying cry for the two-time World Cup-winning nation in Qatar. A tune that has fuelled Argentina to end 36 years of pain on the world stage. 

The South Americans want the third and they will not stop singing about it. Why not, when the team are on song?

The track also references two of the greatest footballers to have put on the blue-and-white kit, or let alone any kit for that matter - Diego Maradona and Messi.  

Warriors of a different kind are also mentioned. Like the “lads of Las Malvinas” (Falkland Islands) - Argentinian soldiers who lost their lives during the Falklands conflict in the early 1980s.

The late Maradona is with the team in spirit, cheering the team on from heaven, the song states. Some might argue that spirit lives within Messi. 

“Y al Diego desde el cielo lo podemos ver con Don Diego y La Tota Alentándolo a Lionel.” (“And we can see Diego up in heaven, with Don Diego and La Tota, cheering on Lionel.”)

Songs and chants have long been the score that has fuelled winners and icons. England fans have been singing It’s Coming Home since it became the official song of the host nation of the 1996 European Championship.

When France are in the ascendancy, as they are in Qatar, Allez Les Bleus’ will be ringing around stadiums. In 2018, Rapper Vegedream’s rendition - Ramenez la Coupe a la Maison (Bring your Cup home) - went on to become a terrace anthem.

World Cup royalty Brazil also have a special chant of their own in Eu Sou Brasileiro (I am Brazilian) which is a song about being proud of being Brazilian.

Think Hulk Hogan strutting into the ring and ripping his shirt to the Real American score. 

In Doha, the only threat of Messi’s jersey coming off has been from defenders trying every trick in the book to keep the diminutive superstar under wraps. Spoiler: It has not worked. 

With every victory, the song has grown louder as the chief conductor - Messi - rises to his artistic best. He’s a hit maker on the field. 

The opening loss against Saudi Arabia seems a long time ago now. The Argentines have gone on to string together five straight wins including one via a penalty shootout against the Dutch. 

If Argentina win the final on Sunday, the Himno Nacional Argentino, which became the national anthem of Argentina in May 1813, could come under serious threat from the latest soundtrack to La Albiceleste’s World Cup campaign. 

Messi and the boys are dreaming again.