World Cup final offers distraction for earthquake victims in Venezuela

In the streets of La Guaira, a Venezuelan town devastated by a double earthquake on June 24, hundreds gathered to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. For many, the match offered a much-needed distraction from the anguish of not knowing if they could return to their damaged homes.

The final coincided with Venezuela's Children's Day, a day often marked by celebrations for young Lionel Messi fans. However, the overwhelming sentiment turned to celebration when Spain secured a late victory over Argentina. The cheers echoed amidst buildings showing severe damage from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes.

Amidst the coastal heat, young people found moments to play football during the halftime show, which featured performances by international artists and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel. For residents like Yeicor Almeida, attending the match was a way to find solace. "Grateful to all those people who have come to help, that thanks to God we feel a little happy because the help, the humanity, has been felt," he told EFE.

Almeida, a Messi supporter, admitted that the earthquakes had made it difficult to follow the World Cup closely. He, like many others present, is sleeping in tents on the sidewalks, awaiting official inspections to determine if their homes are safe to re-enter. Despite the government establishing 107 temporary camps, uncertainty looms for those displaced by the disaster, which has claimed thousands of lives and left many homeless.

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Grateful to all those people who have come to help, that thanks to God we feel a little happy because the help, the humanity, has been felt.