91-Year-Old Journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez Covers 18th World Cup, Reflects on Football’s Evolution

Enrique Macaya Marquez, a journalist whose career spans nearly seven decades, is a familiar and respected figure at the World Cup. At 91 years old, he is currently covering his 18th consecutive tournament, a journey that began in 1958. His presence offers a unique perspective on the evolution of football, from its early days to the global phenomenon it is today.

Macaya Marquez, widely known as Macaya, was just 24 when he was first dispatched to Sweden for the 1958 World Cup. This tournament famously featured a 17-year-old Pelé. For Macaya, however, one of his earliest and most vivid memories of that World Cup was Argentina’s resounding 6-1 defeat against Czechoslovakia. “It remains etched in my memory as a tremendous thrashing for the Argentine national football team,” he recalled. “We knew almost nothing about Czechoslovakia. We had no information, no data, and they surprised us.”

A Career Witnessing Football’s Metamorphosis

Since Macaya’s inaugural World Cup in Sweden, the sport has undergone a radical transformation. He has had a front-row seat to the careers of football’s most iconic figures, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. The way football is covered has also evolved dramatically, with television shifting to digital formats and statistics becoming instantaneously available. The World Cup itself has expanded from a significant international competition into a massive global spectacle.

Throughout these changes, Macaya Marquez has adhered to a core principle: the importance of deep understanding before forming judgments. This approach shaped his initial perspective on Lionel Scaloni’s appointment as Argentina manager in 2018. “I didn’t have high hopes. I didn’t know him,” Macaya admitted. Scaloni has since led Argentina to victories in the Copa América, Finalissima, and the World Cup, transforming what was seen by many as a gamble into one of the team’s greatest successes. Macaya reflected that witnessing these triumphs reinforced his long-held belief that one cannot truly judge a person without a comprehensive understanding of them.

Reflections on Greatness and the Future

As Argentina once again advances to the World Cup semi-finals, preparing to face England, Macaya Marquez is optimistic about their chances of repeating their 2022 success. “Of course they can,” he stated. “If we’re talking about what is possible, about the future, I believe Argentina is capable of winning.”

When asked to name his favorite Argentine player, Macaya’s response is immediate: “Clearly, it’s Messi.” However, the perennial question of who is the greatest of all time elicits a more considered, nuanced answer. “That question deserves a smile,” he said. “There’s no way to measure players throughout history. Times have changed. Opponents have changed. Every player is unique. I can say who I personally liked, but that doesn’t mean I believe that player was the best in history.”

This thoughtful approach extends to his comparisons of football’s legends. He finds direct comparisons between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona challenging due to the different eras, opponents, and team dynamics involved. Similarly, he resists comparing Pelé’s 1970 Brazil team with Maradona’s 1986 Argentina side, citing their “completely different” styles of play.

Macaya emphasizes that memorable matches are not solely defined by victories. “Negative results are also part of that memory,” he stated. Nevertheless, World Cup triumphs hold a special place in the hearts of Argentinians. He described Maradona’s World Cup win as the trophy that “had finally given him the answer he sought his entire life: to be a world champion.”

The veteran journalist indicated that retirement is on the horizon after dedicating nearly 70 years to covering the world’s premier football tournament. “I’m going to retire at some point,” he said with a laugh. “I’m retiring now… so I’ll hang up and leave it for another time.” If this World Cup marks the end of his remarkable career documenting football history, it would be a fitting, though perhaps not entirely final, conclusion.

Key Facts About Enrique Macaya Marquez

Enrique Macaya Marquez’s enduring presence at the World Cup serves as a living chronicle of the sport’s rich history and continuous evolution. His seasoned perspective provides invaluable insights into football’s past, its present state, and the legendary figures who have shaped its narrative. For football enthusiasts, his career is a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and the importance of experienced, nuanced commentary.

Source: BBC Sport Football – The 91-year-old Argentine journalist covering his 18th World Cup – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqj1j0x8811o