The follies carried out to be able to see Lionel Messi or take a picture with him are already commonplace. That he is one of the best footballers in the history of football is known by all, but he adds to that for Argentines are proud that he is from that country.
Although the fanaticism Lionel Messi It is felt in all parts of the world, and it seems to be a symbol of union among its followers, the truth is that this time it is time to talk particularly about four Argentines who, in order to get closer to the star, have decided to travel to Qatar by bicycle.
Every year, soccer fans do unusual things and overcome not only economic barriers but also logistical ones to be able to go and support their club. However, every 4 years these situations are even more notorious and common, and a clear example is the World Cup Qatar 2022.
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What crazy thing would you be willing to do to be able to cheer on Lionel Messi’s team and see him finally lift the world cup? To these Four people from Cordoba came up with the idea of traveling for 7 months and covering exactly 11,500 kilometers by bicycle, until they reached the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
And although they still do not have tickets, they are sure that the news will reach the albiceleste team of these four crazy people who have done everything to see them and will get them some income to enjoy the games.
Also, beyond their passion for football and fanaticism for Lionel Messi’s team, these 4 people have a very strong environmental awareness and for every kilometer they will travel, they have the idea of planting a tree.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Who are they and what is known about these Argentines?
The four Argentines who wait traveling from Córdoba to Qatar by bicycle to see Lionel Messi are Silvio Batti, Bachelor of Tourism and amateur traveler; Lucas Ledezma, physical education teacher; Leandro Blanco Pighi, graduate in Social Communication and rugby player and Sebastian Rodriguez, audiovisual producer and photographer.
most are physically prepared and believes he can face this trip. As detailed by the protagonists themselves, the most complicated seems to be Sebastián, although they say that he is courageous and that they will encourage him to meet the final goal.
Although it sounds crazy, this is not the first time that one of them has decided to do this type of trip. Eight years ago it was Lucas Ledezma who traveled to Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 (also to the Copa Américas in Chile 2015 and Brazil 2019). Although the goal World Cup Qatar 2022 It is much more extensive and complicated, now you will do it in the company of 3 friends among whom you will be encouraged and will make the tour much more enjoyable.
What will the bike tour be like?
Lionel Messi fans already have it all planned out. They got several sponsors to stock up on during the trip and ask for people’s support through the @atodopedal page, be it financial or other issues that can help them get to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. In addition, they will upload content about the tour.
They will have to cross 2 continents and 15 countries to be able to fulfill their goal. As detailed by the protagonists, they plan to make a average of 70 or 80 kilometers per day. Even in their organization they stipulate days in which they will not pedal in order to be able to see places. Instead there will be dates in which they will have to do around 150 kilometers to try to equalize and complete the trip.
Their departure began on May 1 from Córdoba by plane, and although they have a planned schedule, they expressed that the roadmap would change depending on unforeseen events or problems that may arise.
However, the original plan is based on cycling the distance between Cape Town (South Africa) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia): 7,556km. Then, a flight will take them from there to the city of Cairo (Egypt), where they will pick up their bikes until they arrive at the port of Nuweibaa (Egypt): 1,297km to take the ferry and enter Jordan. There, they will pedal, crossing Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, to Doha (Qatar) 2,646km.
In total, if the route is not altered, It will be 11,499 kilometers traveled with the sole purpose of being able to see Lionel Messi and his team in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Because, no matter where Argentina plays, they always do everything possible to follow and encourage them.
Doubly sustainable action
beyond the passion for football, fanaticism for the best players in this sport and the renewed illusions of being able to see Lionel Messi lift the world cup, this tour has a second, no less objective.
As the 4 people from Cordoba explained, they have the idea of planting a tree for every kilometer traveled, that is, more than 10,000 trees, carrying out a great reforestation action. Therefore, they will not only be able to see the World Cup, but at the same time with this action they are raising awareness about environmental care.
To this is added the use of a means of transportation as noble as the bicycle. If we talk about sustainable mobilization, there is no doubt that it is a great ally. For some years now, the idea of becoming more aware of the uses of private vehicles and their gas emissions to the planet has been imposing itself with more force.
That is why more and more people are encouraged to be aware of the use of cars and motorcycles and promote more the use of bicycles, public transport, electric skateboards and of course walks when possible.
Is action collaborates with the drive towards cultural change in mobility. If they can cycle 11,000 kilometers to see lionel Messi And the selection, why couldn’t you make it to work or the houses of friends and family?
Benefits of using a bicycle
This means of transport It is not only beneficial for the environment, but of course for people’s health, by constantly exercising during your mobilization and of course for the pocket since once you have this vehicle it is not necessary to spend money on fuel or other issues.
Some of the specific benefits include:
Reduces environmental pollution. By not using fuels with its use no greenhouse gases are emitted, as it happens with cars or motorcycles for example. In addition, the noise levels are much lower compared to the use of other means of transport.
Oxygenates the brain and combats stress. When using a bicycle, people’s aerobic and lung capacity increases, since the lungs are forced to carry out a much more efficient gas exchange (O2 / CO2). In this way, oxygenation of the brain and the release of certain hormones that help combat stress and improve the emotional state are facilitated.
Strengthening of the circulatory system. With the use of the bicycle the heart pumps blood with much more force to facilitate the arrival of oxygen to the whole organism, just like in any sport and the circulatory system, the heart is strengthened and the resting heart rate is reduced.
Stronger joints. Unlike other sports activities, from the use of this transport the muscles of the legs and knees are strengthened. In addition, since the greatest weight falls on the leg muscles, the impact on the joints is less.
resistant immune system. By cycling, more immune cells are produced that decrease infectious bacteria that attack the body. Plus, it helps keep proper blood sugar levels since by improving blood flow decreases up to 20% the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Did you know the story of these 4 people from Cordoba who will travel to Qatar by bike to see the World Cup? What crazy thing would you be willing to do in order to encourage lionel Messi? Did you know the benefits of cycling?
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