When Uruguay and Argentina battled out the first World Cup final in 1930, few people would have foreseen how massive the tournament has become almost 100 years later.
With the century milestone fast approaching, international football organisation FIFA is warming to the idea of both nations hosting the event in 2030. Uruguay and Argentina formally notified FIFA of their joint bid in July 2017.
![Uruguay’s Luis Suarez [L] and Lionel Messi of Argentina backing the bid to have the nations' co-host the 2030 World Cup. Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)](https://images.sbs.com.au/drupal/news/public/messi_suarez_2030.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez [L] and Lionel Messi of Argentina backing the co-hosting bid for the 2030 World Cup. Source: AP
Excitement has started to build among Argentinian fans in Australia.
Football fan Paul Booth was born in Argentina before migrating to Australia in his mid-20s, and he is optimistic that FIFA will choose his former country to host the World Cup in 2030.
"I think FIFA is very interested in doing it. It would be 100 years celebrating where it all started, it would be fantastic," said Mr Booth.
Paul Booth wants the World Cup in Argentina in 2030 Source: SBS - John Baldock
Uruguay hosted the 1930 World Cup with 13 teams taking part, and beat Argentina in the final. However, by 2030 it will have expanded from the current 32 teams to 48.
Argentina last won the famous trophy in 1986 but with Lionel Messi directing the front line, La Albiceleste - the nickname for the White and Blue team - supporters believe their time has come to win again.
Loeby Fernandez-Lovato has organised social football games and Asados - a traditional barbeque - for the expat Argentinian community in Sydney for 10 years.
"We start quite early, nine or 10 in the morning. We often have an Asador prepare it for us and enjoy the different cuts of meat after the game," said Mr Fernandez-Lovato.
Another favourite is the traditional Argentinian green tea known as Mate and pronounced Mar-tay. Argentinian fan Lucas Rommel plays social football in Sydney and told SBS News that the tea is just as popular as the game.
"It's healthy, it's Argentinian and it's cultural. We've drunk Mate since little kids so for us it's like breathing," said Mr Rommel.
Uruguayan Ernesto Giosa cooks up an Asado for his Argentinian friends. Both nations want the 2030 World Cup. Source: SBS - John Baldock
Regular social football matches are held with rival teams from other South American nations at the Calabria Bowling Club on Sydney's northern beaches.
One topic close to the hearts of every football enthusiast in Argentina is which player is the greatest to wear the famous jersey - Maradona or Messi?
"I saw Maradona at Boca Juniors, they became the Champions as well and then the World Cup. Therefore my passion came with seeing Maradona," said Mr Fernandez-Lovato.
Messi will have retired from professional football by 2030, but if FIFA listens to Argentina and Uruguay the atmosphere in major cities like Buenos Aires will also go down in history.
