Tin Can Fútbolistas
By Ashonté S. Lyles
Tin Can Fútbolistas
We had a “Bizarre Encounter Abroad” on a Saturday evening in September 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, the night before our family set out on a Mediterranean cruise.
Exhausted from exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, from the Arts Hotel to the iconic La Rambla and back to the Diagonal Mar area, we decided to treat ourselves to a late-night snack.
My husband, Marlon, is always in search of his perfect combination meal abroad of doner kebab and local beer leading us to "Kebab Inn (Halal).” Just a 10-minute walk from the Hilton Diagonal Mar, the Turkish pizzeria and kebab restaurant offered outdoor and indoor seating, with families from the neighborhood enjoying their meals under the night sky. Kebab Inn had an assortment of kebab dishes but not doner. Despite the abundance of Estrella beer signs which is why we stopped there, the restaurant was void of alcohol, and it’s all in the name—"Halal.” Halal dietary restrictions in the Muslim faith forbid, unless in danger of starvation, the consumption of blood, and intoxicants like alcohol. The food was so satisfying despite our exact search requirements not being met.
As the Hip Hop ensemble Whodini told us, "Freaks come out at night," a sentiment highlighted in our Destination Diaries—"Cruising the Mediterranean” Series. Barcelona, with its unique late-night culture stemming from historical changes during WWII, captivated us. Late dinners, two-hour lunch breaks, and a laid-back atmosphere greeted families with small children enjoying a meal in the late hours.
While we quenched our cravings, we noticed something magical – children spontaneously broke out playing a game of soccer with a tin can. These young fútbolistas had transformed the urban environment into their playing field. Using the sidewalk and two concrete guard posts as goals, they took turns being defenders, strikers, and goalkeepers. The energy was infectious as they yelled "Goal!" each time the tin can flew past the imaginary goal box.
Reflecting on this impromptu game, my husband Marlon recalled a similar moment with the son and nephews of a close friend back in April 2023. He mused on the universal aspirations of these kids, regardless of their vastly different fields of play. The Tin Can Futbolistas in Barcelona, playing in sandals late at night, likely shared the same dreams as our friend's kids in a suburb of Washington DC, equipped with all the gear, Messi merchandise, and a soccer field.
Fútbol, like music, transcends language barriers, connecting people through its rhythmic beauty. As the game unfolded, it became clear that the two groups of boys, worlds apart, were united by their love for the sport and shared dreams of becoming the next Messi. Reminding us that the magic of soccer transcends social, ethnic, political, and geographic boundaries, bringing joy to the hearts of children, no matter where they play.
Suddenly, the game ended abruptly, interrupted by an unexpected visitor – a large roach! One brave young man took off his flip-flop and, with determination, beat the intruder to the ground. In an amusing turn of events, the other children joined in, ensuring the roach met its demise not once, but twice!
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