The Emperor, who initially declined the millionaire’s invitation, ultimately announced that he will face Argentinos on Sunday.
On Sunday, November 12, River will host Argentinos for the third round of the Professional League Tournament. For Martín Demichelis’ side, this match holds particular significance as their first home game of the year at the iconic Monumental Stadium. The occasion will feature the unveiling of the club’s new stands and a moment to honor the World Cup champions who carried River in years past. The day gained an additional layer of emotion when an unexpected guest was confirmed: Daniel Passarella.
Following the inauguration of the national team in Qatar 2022, River Plate decided to mark its first home encounter of the season by paying tribute to Franco Armani, the sole member of Lionel Scaloni’s squad who continues to play in domestic football, along with the two members of the coaching staff who have visited the club – Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala – and to the great lineage of a club that participated in the 1978 and 1986 World Cups and understands the weight of the World Cup on a club’s history.
Invitations were extended to notable figures connected with the club, including Norberto Alonso, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, Oscar Ortiz, Oscar Ruggeri, Héctor Enrique, the family of the late Leopoldo Luque, and also to Passarella, who not only once served as River’s president but is also the only Argentine to have earned two of the three stars on the AFA shield as a player and coach.
The decision to invite Passarella sparked internal debate within Núñez, especially given his turbulent relationship with the club during the era of Rodolfo D’Onofrio. At times, his name had been left out of celebrations, a reflection of the complicated history between him and the institution. Yet, the mood toward inclusion shifted as the event drew closer, and the club hoped a respectful reception from the crowd would accompany any appearance by the former president.
Initially, Passarella thanked the invitation and declined. It seemed the matter had found its resolve, particularly after he had received a separate honor from Sarmiento, his hometown club, the weekend before. What no one anticipated was a second phone call that would alter the course of the day—a renewed proposal that opened the door to a possible reunion on the Monumental pitch.
After taking some time to reflect, Passarella revealed that he would attend the tribute. This marked his return to the Monumental for the first time since stepping down as River’s president at the end of 2013. Within River, there was cautious optimism that his appearance would be welcomed by the fans depending on the atmosphere surrounding this historic moment. The question lingers: would the crowd embrace him once more and help shape a commemorative day for River’s legacy?
The anticipation around Passarella’s presence added a nuanced layer to an already meaningful match. Beyond the sport itself, the day promised a celebration of the club’s rich history, its triumphs in the World Cups of 1978 and 1986, and the men who shaped River’s identity across generations. It was a moment that tested the balance between tradition and reconciliation, between memory and the ongoing pursuit of success on the field. The club’s leadership and its supporters awaited the unfolding of events with a mix of reverence and curiosity, hoping the tribute would reflect the deeper values River Plate represents to its fans across Argentina and beyond.
Citation: Goal.