An Argentina supporter who was facing an early exit from Qatar has extended his World Cup adventure thanks to a helping of Arabic hospitality.
Gato Scheinaizen had his suitcase in tow and was ready to head home before his national side's quarter-final clash with the Netherlands on Friday as he had run out of money for accommodation.
The crestfallen fan was telling his tale of woe in an interview with the ESPN Futbol Argentina channel earlier this week when an Omani Good Samaritan intervened.
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Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Argentina in their 2-1 World Cup last-16 win over Australia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha, on Sunday, December 3, 2022. -
Lionel Messi puts Argentina into the lead. PA -
Lionel Messi is mobbed by Argentina teammates after scoring. Getty -
Harry Souttar of Australia battles for possession with Argentina's Julian Alvarez. Getty -
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring Argentina's second goal. PA -
Argentina's Lionel Messi scores in the first half. AP -
Craig Goodwin scores for Australia, albeit via a huge deflection. PA -
Australia's Milos Degenek after a first-half challenge. Reuters -
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. Getty -
Julian Alvarez scores Argentina's second goal. Getty -
Australia manager Graham Arnold. PA -
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring in the first half. Reuters -
Australia's Craig Goodwin tees-up ahead of his deflected shot that pulled the score back to 2-1. Reuters -
Argentina's Julian Alvarez takes the ball of Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan before making it 2-0. Getty -
Australia's Aziz Behicc pulls the shirt of Lionel Messi. AP -
Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Australia's Craig Goodwin collects the ball after his deflected shot made it 2-1. Getty
Ahmed Pato, a Doha-based radio presenter, joined the interview at a fan zone to offer Gato a free place to stay at his home.
“No travel, Habibi, Argentina will take the World Cup. Sit here and don’t travel,” Mr Pato told the fan in video footage widely shared on social media.
“No problem, sit in my home. No travel. Argentina is the best. In Qatar everyone is welcome. You are in your home.”
Mr Scheinaizen thanked Mr Pato for his kind offer.
“Ahmed is a very good man, he invited me to stay in his house for the rest of the World Cup,” he told The National.
"He also promised to pay for all the match tickets. He is a nice person."
The kind offer was met with rapturous cheers by the overwhelmed fan and other Argentina supporters who were gathered in the area.
Mr Pato is seen lifting the man's luggage above his head as he prepares to take him to an unexpected stop on his Qatar journey.
“One of the craziest stories we have told so far in the World Cup,” said TV presenter Agustín Belachur.
Mr Pato said his gesture was in keeping with the true spirit of the beautiful game.
“This is how we treat our guests. Qatar is welcoming you all. Football brings all nations together as one.”
