In search of the female Messi

Boots and high heels: Fans beside a banner in Spanish saying ‘There is a team’ supporting the Argentine side playing in the Women’s World Cup. — AP

AREQUITO (Argentina): In a tiny dressing room, the sound of football boots hitting the floor gets more intense as kick-off time approaches.

Socks are pulled up and shirts are tucked in as the coach gives the order to go out and play. Many families watch and applaud from wooden stands as 12-year-old Candelaria Cabrera takes her place in the midfield. Before long, Candelaria opens the scoring with a left-foot shot for Huracan de Chabas in what eventually ends as a 2-2 draw with Alumni.