Anticipation “is at a fever pitch” as Argentina F Lionel Messi will play his final two World Cup group stage matches at Dallas Stadium — against Austria on Monday and Jordan on June 27, according to Eric Prisbell of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. FIFA North Texas World Cup Organizing Committee co-Chair Dan Hunt said that the Dallas-Forth Worth area “will be ‘globally recognized’ for hosting Messi twice, ‘something that will stay with people forever.’” Hunt: “To have a chance to see one of the greatest two soccer players of all time, it’s Messi and Pele, and to have this opportunity is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” And also, be a potential witness of history: A goal Monday would make Messi the men’s World Cup all-time scoring leader. North Texas Organizing Committee CMO Noelle LeVeaux said back in April that they could “expect upwards of 80,000 people to travel from Argentina to D-FW for his matches” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/17).
CELEBRATION SCHEDULE: In Dallas, Silvana Pagliuca notes Argentine fans have “several events planned to celebrate the arrival of their national team in North Texas.” Fan rallies, pregame gatherings, barbecues, and watch parties are among the activities the Argentine community has organized to welcome the reigning world champions. Fan groups coming directly from Argentina have “planned to join Argentines living across North Texas for an outdoor event expected to draw massive crowds.” Two of the largest Argentina supporter groups, Hinchas Argentinos and La Banda de Argentina, “have selected Klyde Warren Park as the meeting point for their fan rallies.” The first event is scheduled for Sunday. Five days later, on June 26 at 6pm, fans will “gather again at the same location with the same goal.” There are also other Argentine events scheduled across the D-FW area (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/18).
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