Lionel Messi’s Guide to Buenos Aires

First things first…You have to go to La Bombonera

It’s very intense and you must be prepared for that – but Boca vs River is one of the biggest football rivalries in the world. You’ll only get a real taste of what it means to the fans if you are in the stadium.

If you have just one day in the city, here’s what you should do

It’s an easy one, really. Head for the Plaza de Mayo. It’s what we consider to be the centre of the city and from there you can walk to lots of tourist attractions in just one day.

There are lost of cultural sites

Buenos Aires is not just one of the most cultural cities in Latin America but also in the world. There are so many museums, you could be here for two weeks and not have enough time to see them all properly. We also have lots of cathedrals that are great buildings. One of the most famous and centrally located is the Buenos Aires Metropolitan – it’s just beautiful.

If you want to try a typically local dish for lunch

My favourite is Milanesa Napolitana – the South American version of the Italian dish. It’s breaded veal with a cheese and tomato sauce and is very popular in my hometown of Rosario, but lots of places in Buenos Aires will serve it.

Buenos Aires is great for families

Even though it’s a busy place, with lots of traffic and people, it has loads of beautiful parks where you can go and relax and forget you are in one of the busiest cities in Latin America. Bosques de Palermo is one of the biggest, where you can enjoy the gardens, play football and ride bikes. It’s a great place for families to come and enjoy time together – especially when the weather is good.

The best tip I can give you

Okay, so it’s a long way out of the city but I can’t talk about Argentina and not mention Iguazu Falls. To me this is one of the most amazing places in the world. Visit Buenos Aires, yes, but stay longer in Argentina and see the falls, too. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Words: Emma Coiler

Illustration: Roui Francisco

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