Parents Mahsa and Max Fratantoni usually present a united front when it comes to looking after their children Luca, three, and Ignacio, five months. But all that will be thrown out the window come Sunday morning as they let their patriotic colours show.
Argentinian-born Max will be cheering for the blue and white at the crucial World Cup face off, while Iranian-born, Australian-raised mum Mahsa will be trying to convince her boys that the underdog Socceroos have what it takes to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Fratantoni family will have mixed allegiances in the upcoming World Cup clash between Australia and Argentina.Credit:Steven Siewert
The couple met in 2009 during Mahsa’s travels through South America, and by 2010 a head-over-heels in love Max had packed his bags and made Australia home. But not even moving around the world has changed his loyalties for the team he loves, convinced that the South Americans will prevail in the fight for progression.
“The boys are very much cemented in their ways for Argentina,” Mahsa said. “I’ve already produced two next-generation Messis,” she said of the couple’s children, with Luca already the proud owner of the special Number 10 Argentinian jersey of international superstar and captain Lionel Messi.
“He’s always had a Messi jersey,” said the proud father. “He thinks he’s looking at himself [when he sees Messi play on TV].”
Guaranteed winners: the Fratantoni family in Lilyfield.Credit:Steven Siewert
For Max, who is used to being the underdog in water cooler conversations about his country’s rugby efforts against Australia, the day will be one to remember. “It’s nice to be on the good side this time.”
“It’ll be a special moment for the boys,” added Mahsa. “I still remember when Iran played Australia back in the ’90s as a kid. I’ll never forget it.”
“It’s the excitement of it,” she said. “That’s always been the best part. We can just leave everything aside and come together for the sport … To me, it’s all a celebration, that’s the whole point of football.”
The Cup has taken on greater significance for Iran-born Mahsa, too, as the country experiences a brutal crackdown on civil liberties and players stay silent during the playing of the national anthem before their matches.
“My heart will always be with Iran. I was born there and both my parents are from there. And watching and seeing the support for Iran makes me really happy.”
The soccer-crazed family is preparing to mimic the sound level of Ahmed bin Ali Stadium as they wake up early to watch their teams play – no alarm clock needed, with both children early risers.
“I can’t believe the odds of Argentina playing Australia,” reflected Max. “It’s such a unique pairing.”
And the family’s prediction? It might be the only thing they have in common: Argentina, 2-0.
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