From Ezeiza to the World Cup final: Argentina's anxious wait to see Messi

The fervor surrounding Argentina's potential World Cup victory has driven hundreds of fans to undertake arduous and expensive journeys to New York. With less than 48 hours until the final, the international departures hall at Ezeiza International Airport buzzed with fans boarding the first of three special flights organized by Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Fans donned national team jerseys and accessories, reflecting the collective passion. They secured tickets that quintuple regular prices, starting at $5,000, with many still needing to cover accommodation and resale match tickets. Resale tickets for the final were fetching upwards of $7,000, with some fans prioritizing flights before securing their entry to the match.

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I've already spent $15,500 and I'm not even there yet.

Lautaro, a 27-year-old from Parque Leloir, traveled with family, motivated by Argentina's dramatic semifinal win. "It was the hardest thing to get," he said of securing a match ticket after booking his flight. He managed to buy resale tickets for $7,000 and hoped for a "happy return."

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It was the hardest thing to get.

Pablo Ezequiel Becerra, a lawyer from General Rodríguez, adopted a different strategy. After the semifinal, he spent nearly four hours in a virtual queue to secure an official FIFA ticket before searching for flights. He eventually found seats on an Aerolíneas Argentinas economic class flight. "I've already spent $15,500 and I'm not even there yet," he quipped, calling the final a "historic event."

Aerolíneas Argentinas scheduled three Airbus A330 flights from Ezeiza to New York's JFK. The first departed Friday evening, with a second on Saturday morning. Both sold out within 12 hours, prompting the addition of a third flight for Saturday night. The first two flights offered round-trip tickets ranging from $5,000 in economy to $10,000 in business class, while the third was one-way for $2,200.

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Let's hope it's a happy return.