Sports & Activities - Buenos Aires - page 91

Sports & Activities
When it comes to spectator sports, only one thing really
matters to most porteños - fútbol (soccer). If you go to a game - or
even watch one on TV - you'll witness human passion to the core. But
other spectator sports also exist in Buenos Aires. And for those who'd
rather play than watch, you'll have opportunities to run, bike, swim
and even rock climb - though some activities will be harder to seek
out than others.
Spectator Sports
FÚTBOL
Fútbol is a national obsession, and witnessing a live game is an integral part of the BA ex-
perience. This is no amateur league - Argentina's national team won the World Cup in both
1978 and 1986 (one of only eight nations to have ever won the cup). The men's team also
walked away with gold at the 2004 and 2008 summer Olympics. And Lionel Messi ( Click
here ) , currently Argentina's most famous player, has won FIFA's World Player of the Year
(or Ballon d'Or) award four times - from 2009 to 2012.
Argentines are avid fans of the sport, and on game day (and there are many) you'll see
TVs everywhere tuned to the soccer channels. Cheers erupt when goals are scored, and
after a big win, cars sporting team flags go honking by - especially around the Obelisco.
For more information on Argentine fútbol, see www.futbolargentino.com and
www.afa.org.ar . Or check Daniel Schweimler's musings (via the team Argentina Juniors) at
www.handofdan.com .
DON'T JUST WATCH - PLAY FÚTBOL!
Inspired by watching professional fútbol teams play the game? Well, you can partake yourself - just
contact FC Buenos Aires Fútbol Amigos ( www.fcbafa.com ) to join fellow travelers, expats and loc-
als for fun on the pitch. There's a modest charge for the experience, but asados (barbecues) often lie at
the end of the fútbol rainbow - and the sporty memories can be priceless.