Argentina, yes!

On July 13th, I will be rooting for Argentina as an inevitable consequence of my support for Latin America throughout the World Cup. The defeat of the greatest European footballing power by a sister nation will crown the #CupofCups, perfectly dubbed the "CELAC Cup" by President Dilma. It will be the crowning moment because, although a certain diffuse "patriotism of the Greater Homeland" only manifested itself with the start of the World Cup, it was a feeling that grew among Brazilian fans.

Brazil has been led by the historical hegemony of elites subserviently associated with the US and Europe to turn its back on Latin America. In this World Cup, Brazilians – as has already been written – were able to "see" that their Latin American brothers and sisters, with their shared social formation, colonial tragedy, and emerging hopes, do exist. Even the slogan #LatinAmericaMinusArgentina was a gigantic leap in Brazilian representations of belonging. The people in general began to discover a homeland more universal and profound than Brazil itself. In other words: the cultural dimension of development, which is the overcoming of the Rodriguian inferiority complex, an essential condition, at least on our part, for an approach to the path suggested by Perón (and which continues to be the great platform for the emancipation of our peoples): to be united so as not to be dominated, in pursuit of economic independence, political sovereignty, and social justice.

This will be the crowning achievement because, far beyond the warm hospitality of our people and the passionate support of the fans, growing and prevailing over the hatred of the old commercial media and the childish aggression of Black Blocs and their sympathizers, the management of the World Cup was outstanding. We proved that the investment made through loans (that is, with a return to the public coffers) only corresponded to one month of education, the main logistical works were delivered and are there to serve the population, there was no air traffic chaos, etc. We proved, therefore, that Latin America, that the "B" of BRICS that makes the continent proud to be this before the world, is capable of organizing events of this magnitude, sporting or otherwise. This is a symbolic projection of our development potential, an icon of these times of prosperity, of the "north" being the South, of the South American Way. Nothing better than the outcome being not allowing the trophy to go to the North Atlantic.

Regional integration has advanced politically considerably with attempts to modernize Mercosur beyond a mere trade bloc, the creation of Unasur and CELAC, and the recent "takeover" of the OAS by Latin American governments. However, for it to be considered truly concrete, some further steps are essential, such as logistical and cultural integration; without the former, the latter will face serious difficulties.

Both face common dilemmas, despite their seemingly distinct natures. Logistics lacks substantial funding, both state and/or private, for truly integrative projects that involve the strategic interests of more than one country and the region as a whole, rather than just a project here and another there within each territory. Culture suffers from a similar impasse: the failure of peoples to value each other, to know the continent, to want to know each other's countries, and to have a minimum awareness of what unites them in the tragedies of the past and the opportunities of the future. In short, instead of someone wanting to save money to see the snow in Central Park, they should go to the glaciers of El Calafate.

This is where the discussion of rivalry comes in. It hides age-old tricks that prevent Argentinians and Brazilians from acknowledging their mutual happiness, the most explosive expressions of which occur precisely in this realm of passion.

The rivalry between Brazilians and Argentinians has a footballing pretext, but it was sown long ago to separate the two giants of the Southern Cone politically and culturally. This is the underlying issue, very different from rivalries between clubs in a city or state, which began in the communities, in amateur football tournaments. By working backward, from politics to economics, from economics to logistics, from logistics to culture, regional integration must overcome this obstacle.

Brazilians managed to root for Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, even Uruguay with the former ghost of 1950 (which has now become a German horror story). Maradona rooted for Brazil in every game. Is it really impossible to root for Argentina? Some talk about the little Brazilians who are already traumatized after watching the 7-1 thrashing without ever having seen their country win a title; it's the end of times for them, then, if they have to see Argentina receiving the World Cup trophy from the hands of the Brazilian president in the Maracanã. Come on! Brazil isn't even in the final! Is it unthinkable to consider the happiness of the "argentiniños," thrilled to be able to witness this remarkable and special scene for the first time? And even more so on their homeland in Latin America?

I even think it's good that the Brazilian children, unable to see Brazil lift the trophy due to the sheer number of surprises that is a football match, see Argentina win and not cry, but instead be proud that, at least, the trophy stayed here and not overseas.

It shapes a generation that won't have to consider it taboo to say they admire Maradona or enjoy the Argentine style of play. And this without having to miss out on the competitive atmosphere of a good Brazil vs. Argentina match when they have the opportunity, with the natural banter of the rivalry in real-life games.

The mega-event status facilitated the breaking down of logistical barriers and allowed for the discovery of the Latin American Cup. Now, it's time to transform this mix into an ingredient for the cultural reform of integration and applaud, if that's how it should be, the Argentine victory and say, to the despair of the Mervais of the world, that no, this will not be a problem for Dilma, the government, the PT, nor for the population. This is just the beginning of building an effective regional development project (including reform of the institutions governing football!).