Even though Argentina’s political and economic stability have taken some dips in recent months, there is one element that will keep Argentineans united throughout it all, and that is soccer. It is no wonder that this sport is so unilaterally loved by all Hispanics, seeing as how the ancient Mayan Indians were playing a version of it in the 15^th century. Of all the sports that fans enjoy, soccer has continually been the most popular. It’s a sport that breeds incredible team loyalty-- fans go bananas when talking about it. What better way to spend a Sunday than to enjoy friendship and camaraderie while ferociously cheering on your team?

Many people believe that soccer is one of the best parts of Argentine and Latin American culture, but there are people who are against the cause. From their view point soccer is a destructive force, with many games ending in violence and the related injuries. This violence come from fans known as "el hincha" who are extremely passionate about their teams. Hundreds of them go to the games together, forming small mobs called "hinchada." While arguments at home can get heated, it is nothing compared to what can happen at the games. The "hinchada" sometimes throw more than verbal insults to the opposing fans, creating injuries and animosity. The home "hinchada" and the visiting "hinchada" spend the game accumulating adrenaline over actions of players and fans, so by the time the game is over the two "hinchadas" are ready to brawl. The police always try to prevent fights from happening, but sometimes the mobs are just too large.

These rivalries disappear however when it is time for the World Cup. The World Cup is one of the most popular soccer events ever, pitting teams from all over the world against each other to play for the world title. Argentina can proudly say that it has been in 11 out of the 16 past World Cups, and has been world champion two times in 1978 and 1986. It is times like those that unite an entire country’s soccer fans and really lets the soccer and national pride shine.