A globe-trotting group of Argentina fans are on the hunt for World Cup final tickets after completing an epic 10,000km bike ride from Cape Town to Doha to cheer on their side.
Leandro Pighi, 32, Lucas Ledezma, 35, and Matias Vilaruel 30, cycled through 15 countries in six months on the ride of a lifetime, arriving in Qatar the day before the tournament kicked off.
They have attended all of Argentina's matches on the way to Sunday's final.
Now they face the small matter of getting tickets for what is set to be Lionel Messi's farewell appearance on the World Cup stage against reigning champions France.
'An incredible journey'
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Argentina's Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez celebrate during the 3-0 World Cup semi-final win against Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022. AP -
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's win with Rodrigo De Paul, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Alejandro Gomez after the match. Reuters -
Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate their victory. AP -
Lionel Messi of Argentina after the team's win over Croatia. Getty -
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after the game. Getty -
Julian Alvarez celebrates with teammates after scoring the third goal. Getty -
Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores the third goal of the game. PA -
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring the second goal with Lionel Messi and teammates. EPA -
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the first goal. Getty -
Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal. Getty -
Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores the second goal. PA -
Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Croatia's Dominik Livakovic fouls Julian Alvarez, leading to the penalty. Getty -
Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic lies on the ground after fouling Argentina's Julian Alvarez to concede a penalty. AFP -
Lionel Messi scores his penalty. Getty -
Lionel Messi after scoring Argntina's first goal from the penalty spot. Getty -
Lionel Messi in action with Croatia's Mateo Kovacic. Reuters
“We started this adventure in May and it was an incredible journey. We took flights to Cape Town from Argentina and started cycling all the way through Africa and Asia to Qatar. We followed our football passion and chant for the team in all matches,” Mr Pighi said.
The trio parked their bikes at Souq Waqif — a popular gathering spot for fans during the tournament — in the hope of securing tickets for the big game.
“We want to get match tickets but until now there are no tickets. We have been searching for tickets for three days now,” Mr Pighi said.
“There are tickets on the black market but they are expensive. We want to buy tickets with Fifa's official price,” he added.
“It is unfair for Argentina fans not to have match tickets. We followed the team all the way from Argentina to Doha and we are here looking to support them in the stadium not outside the stadium.”
The three friends were joined on the gruelling cycling challenge by travel agent Silvio Gatti, who had to leave Doha before the final to start a new job in Australia.
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Argentina fans are hoping Lionel Messi will join the late, great Diego Maradona as a World Cup winner. Photo: Getty Images -
Argentina fans are already filling the stands of the 80,000 capacity Lusail Stadium ahead of their opening World Cup game with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters -
South American fans drum up for support for their side as they kick off their bid for World Cup glory. Photo: Getty Images -
An Argentina fan wears the famous number ten shirt of Lionel Messi. Photo: Getty Images -
Argentine fans have turned out in force in Qatar. Photo: Getty Images -
A supporters wears a shirt featuring Argentina's two greatest players, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Photo: Reuters -
Argentina supporters gather outside the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha. Photo: AFP -
An Argentina supporter sporting the shirt of the team's talisman, Lionel Messi. Photo: Getty Images -
Argentina are joining the World Cup party on day three of the tournament. Photo: AFP -
Argentina fans are hoping their team can secure their first World Cup for 36 years. Photo: AP
The group were grateful for the chance to unite with people across their world as they took in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, before travelling to Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
“People throughout Africa and the Middle East were very generous with us. They welcomed and opened their doors to us,” said Mr Ledezma.
The group have gone the distance previously to soak up the atmosphere of major sporting events.
In 2016, the four men travelled to the Rio Olympics and had a similar trek to the last World Cup in Russia.
Mr Pighi spoke warmly of the hospitality of people across the Middle East.
“People here are very friendly, smiling and welcoming us all the time. They share their food, water and offered us somewhere to rest and have showers at their homes.”
“Qatar was really amazing for us. And we hope we can have the title tonight for Argentina.”
