Meet the Czech Superfan Who Dedicated His Home to Messi and Maradona

In the quiet village of Bukovka, around 90 kilometres east of Prague, one house stands out from all the others. Painted in Argentina’s iconic sky blue and white, complete with a giant Sun of May on its façade, it is impossible to miss. Outside, a life-sized statue of Diego Maradona greets visitors, while a massive mural of Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad covers the back of the building. The extraordinary home belongs to Miloslav “Čurby” Urbanec, 51, arguably Czechia’s most devoted supporter of Argentine football. Urbanec’s passion began almost five decades ago. As a four-year-old, he watched the 1978 FIFA World Cup with his father, who supported Brazil. But while his father admired Pelé and the Brazilian greats, Urbanec fell in love with Argentina. The team’s long-haired stars reminded him of Winnetou, his childhood hero, and Argentina’s triumph that summer sealed a lifelong obsession. His admiration has since grown far beyond simply watching matches. After returning from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he decided to transform his property into a tribute to Argentina’s football culture.   The mural features not only Lionel Messi but also head coach Lionel Scaloni, assistant coaches Pablo Aimar and Walter Samuel,...

The post Meet the Czech Superfan Who Dedicated His Home to Messi and Maradona appeared first on Prague Morning. ...