The musician, who lived through forced exile from Argentina, claims he will sing the goals of both teams and feels like a 'champion' before the whistle blows.
Alejo Stivel, co-founder and vocalist of the band Tequila, has shared his thoughts on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The musician, who was born in Argentina but has lived in Spain since his adolescence, admits that it is impossible for him to choose between the two teams.
"I was born and spent my childhood in Argentina. Every Sunday, from the age of 6 to 15, I went to the stadium to watch football. Then came the horror, death, and exile," Stivel recounts in statements collected by various media. "Overnight, I had to escape with my mother. I arrived in Spain, which welcomed me with open arms and healed my wounds."
A divided identity between two countries
The singer explains that he has lived in Spain for more than three times the time he spent in Argentina, but that football remains very present in his life. "Football is in my heart. It’s in my DNA. I refuse to choose one team over the other. Both are mine," he asserts.
Stivel compares his situation to classic dilemmas like "choosing between mum or dad, between The Beatles or The Stones, between Lennon and McCartney." "I am open and inclusive. Even in football! And those who don’t understand it have their limitations," he adds with a tone that mixes humour and conviction.
The musician, who rose to fame with Tequila in the 70s, acknowledges that his personal history prevents him from taking sides. "I understand that there are people who cannot comprehend this. And I think it’s a limitation to assume that things are not always black or white. Not even in football," he maintains.
Exile turned into celebration
The final, which takes place tonight at 21:00, pits two countries united by a common language and a close migratory relationship against each other. Millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic share family roots, and Leo Messi, the Argentine star, developed much of his career in Spain, specifically at FC Barcelona.
For Stivel, the match holds special significance. "The thing that affected and hurt me the most in life becomes today a celebration of shared love and unites my two halves. I am already a champion!" he exclaims.
The singer shared how he will experience the match: "So tonight I will sing the goals of both teams and celebrate regardless of who wins. Because I have already won." This statement reflects how sport can transform a traumatic experience into a reason for shared joy.
For supporters of both teams who identify with this duality, Stivel offers a lesson in tolerance: there is no need to choose. The match can be followed live on television and digital platforms, and it promises to be one of the most-watched sporting events in recent history.
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