"We are friends. Please maintain peace, don't get into fights. Just enjoy the game."
Holding each other's hands, the ambassadors of Brazil and Argentina in Dhaka delivered this message to football fans during the opening ceremony of a football tournament at the Gulshan Youth Club ground in Dhaka on Friday morning.
The message was shared by Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres and Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Césa.
The two ambassadors attended the inauguration of the country's first Airlines Football Championship (AFC).
The two-day futsal tournament, featuring six-a-side matches on a small pitch, has brought together 16 domestic and international airlines. The final will be held on Jul 4.
The tournament has been organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), an association of journalists covering the aviation and tourism sectors.
The event was officially inaugurated by State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said: "The people of Bangladesh are passionate about football. In particular, the enthusiasm and emotional attachment they have for Brazil and Argentina are well known around the world.
“Events like this, inspired by that love for football, will help promote and develop the sport in Bangladesh."
He added, "One day, Bangladesh's football will also reach a stage where people will celebrate their own national team with the same level of passion and excitement. I hope initiatives like this will continue to grow and contribute to the development of sports."
Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres said that for Brazilians, football is more than just competition—it is also a source of joy.
"Winning is certainly important, but the greatest thing is to enjoy the game," he said.
Addressing Bangladeshi football fans, he added: "Football is a game of peace and harmony. Support your favorite team and celebrate, but make sure everything remains peaceful. Let the rivalry stay on the field—not outside it."
The Argentine ambassador said football brings together people from different countries and cultures.
"Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil—football has created a bridge of friendship among the people of all these countries," he said.
He expressed his hope that football in Bangladesh would continue to progress and that young Bangladeshi footballers would be able to fulfill their dreams.
He also encouraged organisers to continue hosting similar events in the future.
Also present at the opening ceremony was Kaizer Ahmed, managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The opening match featured Biman Bangladesh Airlines against Ethiopian Airlines.
Speaking about the country's first-ever tournament of this kind, Tanzim Anwar, president of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), said:
"Over the past decade, Bangladesh's aviation sector has grown significantly. There has long been a need for a common platform to strengthen professional relationships, friendship, and mutual understanding among local and international aviation professionals outside the workplace."
The participating airlines are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, Air Astra, Emirates, Qatar Airways,
Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Silk Way West Airlines, and flydubai.