Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Barbados, His Excellency Gustavo Martinez Pandiani (second left) congratulates Minister of Sports John King after France won the World Cup final. King was backing France, while the Ambassador was backing the underdogs Croatia in the game which ended 4-2.
Eyes on the prize
The FIFA World Cup may have just ended, but already the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Barbados, His Excellency Gustavo Martinez Pandiani, is looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup.
After a Watch Party at the Argentina Embassy yesterday, he said he believes Barbados has a great opportunity to qualify for the pinnacle of football as there will be extra places open as a result of it being held in the Concacaf region.
Pandiani said the target group should be the Under-17 squad, which he hopes to take to Argentina to train and get ready for the qualifications, and hopefully the 2026 World Cup Final.
“Barbados could have a real opportunity to make the World Cup... So we want to help Barbados through the Argentine Association,” he said, adding that he hopes next year they can send the Under-17 squad.
He said he has been working with the Barbados Football Association (BFA) with its President Randy Harris and the coaches of the BFA.
Pandiani mentioned he had seen every game Barbados has played here and the best team is the Under-17, so he wishes to do everything from ground up to help Barbados prepare for the test.
The final for Barbados’ domestic season this year will have a celebrity game and cultural performance by Argentina and the Ambassador hopes it will strengthen the friendship and partnership. (CG)