Lionel Messi Is the Right Man for Argentina’s Post-Macho Moment

 

"Messi has never fit the archetype of the “pibe”, an affectionate term for an Argentine football hero. The “pibe” was born in the poor neighborhoods of early 20th-century Buenos Aires. He outsmarted the elite with his trickery and wooed women with his charm. No one brought the figure to life more than Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup. Uncontrollable, Maradona symbolized rebellion against a militarized society. The Argentine public forgave, and often celebrated, his sexism, drug abuse and temper, which many saw as part of his “genius”.

Female players and their feminist allies have vocally criticized the “pibe” model and the “win at any cost” mentality perpetuated by football. In the process, they have — in the years that coincided with the peak of Messi’s career — changed the country’s football culture."

read article by BRENDA ELSAY

https://www.almendron.com/tribuna/lionel-messi-is-the-right-man-for-argentinas-post-macho-moment/