The first time Yamila Rodriguez’s head popped out of the dugout during Argentina’s game against South Africa and her light-blue-tinted hair was visible in the stands, an Argentinian fan sitting near my seat in the media tribune exclaimed: “Look at her, that one is the anti-Messi.”
Rodriguez arrived at the Women’s World Cup after being the top scorer in the Copa America 2022, with six goals. In the third-place play-off match — a game which afforded the winners a place at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — the Albiceleste were trailing with 12 minutes to go.
Rodriguez levelled the match and, in stoppage time, made sure of her side’s qualification with a third goal, after Florencia Bonsegundo had made it 2-1 in the final minute. Rodriguez became the heroine and she began to grow in popularity with Argentina fans.
She is a fast player who likes to sprint down the flank and has an eye for goal. ‘Gambetear’, as they say in Argentina. She has a lot of cheek on the pitch and thrives in the face of adversity.
Many children want to be like her and she was the most acclaimed at the national team’s farewell when they started their World Cup adventure.
She is one of the three players who come to mind if you ask fans about Argentine players. She is one of the…
