For actor and dancer Nadia Ahmed, football has always been more than just a game. But this time, her love for the sport turned into a once-in-a-lifetime memory — watching Argentina play live from the stadium, with Lionel Messi on the field.
Currently in the United States, Nadia recently attended her first live football match at a stadium, accompanied by her husband, actor FS Nayeem. The experience, she says, is something she will carry with her forever.
“I had never watched a World Cup football match sitting inside a stadium before. This was my first time,” Nadia told The Daily Star. “And it was even more special because it was Argentina’s match, and I got to watch Messi play live. Watching Messi from the stands will remain one of the most memorable moments of my life. I will never forget it.”
Image
For Nadia, securing the tickets was an experience of its own. “Honestly, getting the tickets was difficult. There was always uncertainty about whether we would get them or not. My younger sister Nandita, who lives in the US, arranged them. We had to go through a lottery system. We did not get tickets the first time, but we got them on the second attempt. When we finally received them, it was a huge moment of happiness.”
She described the stadium atmosphere as unlike anything she had experienced before. “We reached the stadium area in a FIFA vehicle. There were thousands of people from different countries. Argentina supporters were everywhere. I heard there were more than 60,000 spectators. The moment we entered the stadium, there was this incredible energy — the shouting, the excitement, the celebration. I had never seen anything like it.”
Image
Yet, amid all the noise and anticipation, Nadia had only one thought — seeing Messi. “Once we entered, I was just waiting for Messi to come onto the field. When the match started, and he walked in with the team, I saw him right there. There was a different kind of excitement. It is difficult to explain that feeling.”
Reflecting on Messi’s performance, Nadia said words fell short. “It is impossible to describe. He is such a legendary player, and watching him score a hat-trick was something else. The happiness I felt inside cannot really be put into words. I was incredibly happy watching him play.”
Nadia’s connection with Argentina goes back to her childhood.
Image
“I have supported Argentina since I was young. My mother is an Argentina fan. My husband, Nayeem, supports Germany, while my sister, Nandita, supports another team. I support Argentina. And to watch my favourite team play live from the stadium was truly a dream moment.”
For Nadia, Messi’s appeal goes beyond football. “Messi is everyone’s dream star. Being able to watch him play so closely was truly special.”
Looking back at the experience, she says the celebrations after the match were equally unforgettable. “After the match, when we came out celebrating the victory, it was just joy everywhere. Such beautiful moments do not come often in life. My favourite team started with a win, and I hope this continues.”
