From Maradona to Messi : Rahul and His Family Rally Behind Argentina

Born in India and settled in Mauritius for more than 15 years, Rahul has never lost his passion for Argentina—a love affair that began with Diego Maradona and continues with Lionel Messi. As the World Cup final is here, he and his family are preparing to welcome fellow football fans to cheer, celebrate and share in one of the sport’s biggest nights.

For Rahul, supporting Argentina is a tradition that began decades ago with Diego Maradona. Now settled in Mauritius for more than 15 years, the Indian-born entrepreneur is preparing to watch Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final surrounded by his family, friends and supporters of both teams.

“I remember being very young and discovering Diego Maradona. He got me into watching football,” he recalls. Although he does not describe himself as a football fanatic, that early admiration created a lasting attachment to the Argentinian national team.

“I have been supporting Argentina at every World Cup ever since then,” he says.

Rahul and the members of his family were all born in India, but Mauritius has gradually become their home. They have built both their personal and professional lives in the north of the island, where they operate several hospitality and restaurant businesses.

“I have been here for more than 15 years,” Rahul explains. “We really like Mauritius. It is a beautiful country with incredible people, and we are now happy to call this place home.”

The family runs Welcome Inn, a small hotel situated on Chemin Vingt Pieds, as well as an in-house café called Chikooz. They also operate Welcome India, an Indian restaurant opposite Pereybere public beach.

Welcome Inn regularly hosts families, couples, local residents and tourists. The establishment includes rooms, a poolside garden venue and a banquet hall, allowing the family to organise different types of celebrations and gatherings.

Football bringing people together

During the World Cup, football has also become part of the atmosphere at the family’s establishments. Matches have been shown live on television in the restaurant area, giving guests and supporters an opportunity to experience the competition together.

“We have been showing the World Cup matches live on television in the restaurant area,” Rahul explains.

For the final, however, the gathering will be especially meaningful. Rahul plans to watch the match at Welcome Inn with his family and hopes that friends and other football supporters will join them.

“We will be watching with family and streaming it on television at our hotel, Welcome Inn, on Chemin Vingt Pieds in Grand Baie. We are also looking forward to inviting other friends, including both Argentina and Spain supporters,” he utters. 

The presence of supporters from both sides is important to Rahul. Although he will firmly be behind Argentina, he expects the final to be enjoyed in a friendly and festive atmosphere, regardless of which team those present support.

The family has already prepared Argentina jerseys for the occasion. Food will also form part of their match-day tradition, with one simple snack becoming inseparable from their World Cup evenings.

“We will be wearing Argentina jerseys that we bought to support our team. We also enjoy making salted butter popcorn while watching the matches. It truly adds to the atmosphere,” Rahul utters. 

For him, football is best experienced in the company of others. “With family and friends around, it is always fun to watch,” he adds.

A tense road to the final

Argentina’s progress through the competition has not always been comfortable for Rahul and his family. He admits that the semifinal against England was particularly tense, as the match appeared finely balanced.

“I was nervous for a moment during the semifinal against England,” he recalls. “Victory was going to be tight.”

Argentina eventually found a way through, with Lionel Messi playing a decisive role in helping the team regain control of the match. “Messi came back with a wonderful assist, and then the team eventually took the lead,” Rahul says. “It was an excellent match.”

That victory generated considerable excitement within the family and strengthened their anticipation ahead of the final. “We are really excited to watch them play in the final,” he adds.

Rahul has been particularly impressed by Argentina’s collective performance throughout the tournament. Rather than depending entirely on one individual, he believes that the players have worked effectively as a team. “We think the team is doing well altogether,” he affirms.

Nevertheless, Lionel Messi naturally holds a special place among the family’s favourite players.

“My family is quite fond of Messi,” Rahul explains. “I have supported Argentina since I watched Maradona play.”

For Rahul, Maradona introduced him to Argentinian football, while Messi has helped sustain that connection across another generation. The two players represent different periods in the history of the national team, but both have contributed to the passion felt by supporters around the world.

Rahul believes Argentina’s resilience has been one of its defining qualities during the tournament. “This year in particular, I feel they have produced wonderful comebacks in many matches throughout the competition,” he declares.

Respect for Spain, confidence in Argentina

Despite his optimism, Rahul does not underestimate Spain. He recognises the strength of Argentina’s opponents and acknowledges that they will enter the final after an impressive campaign.

“I believe Spain are a formidable opponent,” he says. “They have been in excellent form.”

Spain’s consistency means Rahul expects a closely contested encounter. However, his respect for the opposition has not weakened his confidence in Argentina. “That being said, we have full confidence that Argentina can win,” he declares.

For Rahul and his family, an Argentinian victory would be especially significant because it would allow the team to claim consecutive World Cup titles. “Back-to-back World Cups for them,” he says, expressing his hope for another historic triumph.
While tactical battles and individual performances will shape the final, Rahul’s story also demonstrates how football creates connections across countries and generations. Born in India, settled in Mauritius and inspired by an Argentinian football legend, his support reflects the truly international appeal of the World Cup.

The final will bring together Argentina and Spain supporters at Welcome Inn, each hoping to see their team lift the trophy. Whatever the result, Rahul expects the evening to be filled with excitement, food, family and friendly rivalry.

Should Argentina emerge victorious, however, the celebrations will continue well beyond the final whistle.

“We would be very glad. We will definitely celebrate the victory and party afterwards,” Rahul utters.