A dog walker in Buenos Aires has turned his pack of 13 dogs into dedicated Argentina fans, dressing them in the national team's jerseys, leashes, and collars as the country rides World Cup fever ahead of its round of 32 match against Cape Verde on Friday.
Meet Nahuel Meneghini and 'La Perroneta'
Nahuel Meneghini, 33, known as "Nano," walks the streets of the capital's city centre with the dogs sporting Argentina's light blue and white colors. The group, dubbed "La Perroneta" on social media, has become a local sensation. Meneghini, also dressed head-to-toe as a fan, skillfully manages all the leashes along the narrow sidewalks of the San Cristobal neighborhood.
"I did it out of love for them and for Argentina. And for the World Cup," Meneghini told The Associated Press on Thursday during a walk with the canine group.
Community Reaction and Patriotism
As the pack passes, onlookers smile and pull out their phones to snap pictures. "Let's go, Argentina!" a woman shouted. Edgardo Perez, 80, who was taking photos, said, "These are the only joys we have because nothing ever goes our way, not for workers or retirees. Everything is against us." Dora Maisano, 73, added, "Now that is patriotism. Not just peeing and pooping. Everyone wearing the No. 10. Well done, congratulations - they look so cute!"
Inspiration from 'La Scaloneta'
The name "La Perroneta" alludes to "La Scaloneta," the nickname of the national team aiming to retain its title under coach Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni is admired in Argentina following the team's triumphs at the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2021 Copa America. Meneghini developed the idea of dressing the dogs last week as Argentina advanced from the group stage.
Custom Jerseys and Accessories
Two of the dogs he regularly walks, Sirio and Roberta, wear jerseys featuring Messi's No. 10, purchased by their owners after catching World Cup fever. Meneghini then bought jerseys in various sizes from a pet store, and the owners readily accepted. He crafted collars and leashes in light blue and white, adding three rivets to the leashes—one for each of Argentina's World Cup titles in 1978, 1986, and 2022—and hanging tags reading "Los perros de Nano" (Nano's Dogs) from the collars. Meneghini offers pet owners a good price for all items, and neighbors have started placing orders for their own pets.
Daily Walks and Future Plans
The dogs and their walker cover around 60 blocks almost every day and have become local celebrities and social media stars. The pack will continue to wear the national colors "forever," even if Argentina is eliminated, Meneghini said. "But I have faith that we'll win a fourth cup. After the fourth one, I'll add another rivet to the leashes."
