Tarter Source

BUENOS AIRES –American consumers may be wringing their hands over an inflation rate of 7.5 percent in 2022 but others around the world are faring far worse.

The massive amounts of emergency spending required to counter the economic malaise brought about by the pandemic accelerated global inflation. Countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom and Russia, for example, have all seen double-digit inflation rates this year with prices ranging between 10 and 12 percent higher than in 2021.

But that’s nothing compared to Argentina where the rate of inflation has reached 92 percent for the year. So why are Argentinians so excited these days, holding impromptu parades and engaged in extensive partying? It’s because the World Cup is within reach: Argentina faces off against France for the title on Sunday.

Americans call the sport played at the World Cup soccer, recognizing football as a game played with six-point touchdowns and quarterbacks. That means it’s probably hard to understand the excitement produced by a game where a single tally is a big deal.

Just reaching the finals is cause for a national celebration in this country that takes its football seriously. It’s the sixth time Argentina has participated in the Super Bowl of Soccer, the most recent appearance coming in 2014 when the Germany beat the Argentine team by a 1-0 score.

Argentina has to feel good about their chances this time, however, with superstar forward Lionel Messi (pictured), the number-two scorer of all time, on the field.

The national frenzy over football isn’t the first time Argentinians have found comfort in sport when everyday realities were painful. One World Cup fan told the Argentinian press that when Argentina first found World Cup success in 1978, the country was still being run by a military dictatorship.

Now it’s economic instability, a problem which saw thousands march in protest through the streets of Buenos Aires in September. We won’t cry for you, Argentina, just win the game and hold down those prices.