(Atlanta) It’s 4:30 p.m. in downtown Atlanta. We are returning by taxi from our assignment to the Canadian team hotel when suddenly we pass in front of a crowd gathered near a large Westin.
We then quickly notice the numerous jerseys of Argentina and Inter Miami, crowded around two coaches. No doubt, the Albiceleste players, including Lionel Messi, are on the verge of making their appearance.
The hotel is located on Peachtree Street – conveniently, in the Peach State. Right across the street from a Hooters. And next to a Hard Rock Café. Employees from the downtown Atlanta branch came to watch the scene. As good onlookers, all crowded together as we wait for the players, we can’t help but hear their discussion: the popular restaurant franchise has concocted a Messi-themed children’s menu, and the waitresses would like the Pulga comes to take a look. The restaurant is only around the corner, after all. Good luck.
It’s hot, but perhaps even less than in Montreal during this heatwave. Which doesn’t stop a man from living his life shirtless.
Around us, people have been waiting for around thirty minutes. We notice that between the fences, things are starting to get active. Which means that it is activated outside of them, too. There must be a good hundred people there, all ready to film their Messi moment. There is one climbing on a lamp post. Another, very clumsily, climbs onto the structure of the building. We’re ready to catch him, if ever.
Members of staff from Argentina leave the hotel and head towards the buses. Among the supporters, arms and phones are raised. As in a concert when the music lover in front begins to film the entire song, we quickly realize that we will not see anything of the performance of these stars crossing the short distance between the hall and their comfortable seat.
We’re trying our luck on the other side, because we need this shot to show you, dear readers. No luck there either: the cameras of different TV channels won’t move. Even people sitting in the cargo bed of a van complain, amused, of not seeing anything.
Between the arms and heads, we see a few players, without being able to recognize them. We confirm that they are Argentinians, that said: most of them had their mate in their hands.
Everyone is on board, then the procession sets off. The horn of one of the coaches gives the signal to the crowd to disperse after this new moment of frenzy for Lionel Messi and his team.
