World Cup reporter breaks down after being "transported to the past" at the Azteca

For some, stepping into the stadium is more than a visit—it is a journey through football history

Football is a celebration shared by much of the world. Whether you follow the sport or not, every four years the World Cup brings millions together for one of the biggest events on the planet. For the eight nations fortunate enough to have lifted the trophy, remembering those moments is a way of reliving them. Inside the legendary Estadio Azteca, a venue that has hosted three World Cups, those emotions can quickly rise to the surface.

FIFA World Cup

5 stars you can't miss at the 2026 World Cup

Two legends were crowned at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula, as the stadium is known in Mexico: Pelé and Maradona. Two of the greatest players in football history left their mark on a venue that represents eternal glory for millions of Brazilians and Argentinians. For those who have had the chance to enter the Estadio Azteca, it is far from an ordinary experience. No other stadium in the world can currently claim three World Cups, and those who have experienced its atmosphere often describe it as unforgettable.

A stadium filled with memories

The tournament had not even begun when reporters from around the world were given access to the stadium to see the renovations and familiarize themselves with the media facilities ahead of the World Cup.

Walking into the historic venue can leave visitors speechless and, in some cases, bring them to tears. That was the experience of reporter Emilio Jelic, who became emotional while standing inside the stadium where Diego Armando Maradona lifted the World Cup trophy with Argentina in 1986. It was also the site of one of football’s most famous moments, the "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarterfinals.

Many people around the world, like Jelic, pursue careers connected to sports because they dream of reliving moments like these. As he looked across the green pitch and the empty benches, memories of the stories and matches that inspired him as a child came rushing back. The experience, as he described it, felt like reaching a lifelong dream as an Argentine football fan.

More than a stadium

Jelic compared his passion for football and Argentina, and his visit to the Estadio Azteca, to the significance of making a pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam—something to experience at least once in a lifetime. In Argentina, football is far more than a sport. It is culture, tradition, community, celebration, heartbreak, joy, and national identity all at once.

That is why the World Cup reporter felt as if he had been transported to the past while standing inside the Azteca. The stadium is not only a sporting venue but also a place where some of football’s most significant memories remain alive for generations of fans.

Despite the rivalry that exists between Argentina and Mexico, the Azteca holds a special place for many South Americans. While venues such as Lusail Stadium in Qatar have also become part of football history, the Azteca carries a different meaning. For many Argentinians, it is the place where Maradona cemented his legacy and became an immortal figure in the sport.