President of Argentina’s soccer federation writes a thank you note to fans in KC
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- AFA president Chiqui Tapia wrote a public farewell after more than 40 days in Kansas City.
- Tapia said team life in Kansas City was training, barbecues, mate and long talks.
- Argentina played two of its six Kansas City matches, including Messi’s hat trick game.
As the president of the Argentine Football Association, Chiqui Tapia has been in Kansas City where the team as it has made its base camp and played two of its six matches.
Both were electrifying for different reasons. In its first group stage, Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat trick and on Saturday, Argentina defeated upstart Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a quarterfinal.
Argentina left Kansas City on Monday, and like Messi did, Tapia said farewell to the area. Tapia shared a message on X that included behind-the-scenes photos of the team in Kansas City. And he praised those in KC who supported the team, which had visitors outside their Origin Hotel on many days. And Tapia thanked others, too.
“We said goodbye to Kansas after more than 40 days in which, above all else, we enjoyed being together,” Tapia wrote in a translated message.
“They weren’t just weeks of training: they were nights of barbecue and trick-taking games; mornings and afternoons of mate; and thousands of conversations that solidified a true family,” Tapia wrote. “We leave this city with the satisfaction of having fulfilled the first objective and focused on continuing to build the path toward the dream that unites us.
“Thanks to each and every one who is part of it and to the millions of Argentines who cheer us on from every corner. LET’S GO FOR EVERYTHING.”
One of the final activities for Team Argentina was perhaps the most perfect Kansas City activity: a barbecue.
“Wrapping up the stay in Kansas as it deserves,” Tapia wrote on X. “A new barbecue with the crew 🔥🫡”
