PUEBLA, Mexico — A set of big vases bearing soccer balls stand at the entryway to Mexico’s very first Maradonian church and a picture of Diego Maradona using a charro hat invites worshippers.
Inside the church, the Catholic Stations of the Cross are recreated with images of Maradona from his youth to emblematic conferences with the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Pope Francis.
The church in the main Mexican city of Puebla, which opened on July 7, commemorates the “religion” produced in Argentina in 1998 by the admirers of the late soccer gamer Maradona.
The Maradonian religious beliefs has actually infected numerous nations worldwide and has more half a million fans.
“My Mom and Dad, who are Catholics, say it’s crazy,” stated Andrea Hernández, a 22-year-old soccer gamer, throughout a check out to the Maradonian church decorated with posters of Maradona, who bet clubs in Spain and Italy.
“But for us, those of us who like soccer, it is very nice that Maradona can have such recognition in Mexico.”
Maradona, who passed away in November 2020 soon after commemorating his 60th birthday, attained soccer magnificence after winning the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, which crowned him among the very best gamers of perpetuity.
Marcelo Buchet, who opened the church, stated it was a location “where we can talk about football”.
“It is not like going to another church, sitting down and listening,” stated Buchet.
“Here you are part of everything. People have accepted this and they are very happy. I have seen people cry, people throw themselves at his picture, pray. I feel much better that I’m not the only crazy one.”
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