As someone who has used Homefans in the past and had a great experience with the host/service, this was honestly a let down. I don't like writing these kind of things because the host, Lorenzo did seem like a nice and hospitable person. The whole point of Homefans is connect with the local host, have some kind of unique pre-match experience that a tourist wouldn't know about, etc. and feel like you're getting a unique experience. Compared to my previous Homefans experience, this unfortunately had none of that. We met up with the host and group outside the stadium, chatted for a bit and that was really it. It would've been nice to perhaps meet at a restaurant/cafe together, learn more about another and history of the club and form community with the group then go to the match. The tickets was advertised as "short side ticket", but we were situated on the long side in the 300 sections. We paid 4x the value of the same ticket you could buy on your own which is not good value. Many others in our group were extremely dissatisfied with the value. We also weren't sat together with the group. While the game itself was fun to watch, I could've just bought the tickets myself and save 4x the cost. There was no special essence of me feeling more like a local with Homefans with this particular experience, which I'm greatly disappointed as I've advocated for Homefans in the past as a supporter of the service.
Like most keen football fans, we've always had a fascination about Argentinian football. We had read all about the passion and seen the scenes of jubilation in the streets of BA and beyond when the country celebrated the recent World Cup final victory, and we really wanted to experience it first-hand. Then, a few months ago, we came across "Homefans" and thought "Yes, that sounds just what we've been searching for - experiencing Argentinian football with local fans - we'll do it!". Well, we were not disappointed - from the moment we stepped foot on Argentinian soil until we took our return flight home, the trip exceeded our expectations.
The hospitality shown by our hosts Mariano, Chan & Sol was heart-warming. They took us in under their wings like returning family members and listened to our footballing stories transfixed, as we listened to theirs. If I have one overriding memory of the whole trip it would be the kindness shown to us throughout our stay. In fact, it was refreshing to see this across Argentinian society, with younger people often seen jumping up to offer their seat to older ones on the metro. Mariano, Chan and Sol made us feel at home and on numerous occasions went that extra mile to ensure we had an unforgettable experience.
The knowledge and passion of Sol for everything Huracan was indeed infectious and Huracan will always have a special place in my heart Sol. It's such a lovely family-oriented club whose ground reminded me of the old Olympic stadium in Berlin and I'll always remember the pre-match atmosphere with the ultras’ songs accompanied by the famous drums. My only regret? Just wish you had given us a heads-up on our taxi driver before we entered his cab – turns out he was one of Huracan's former stars!
And Chan, you just lived and breathed BOCA. Your knowledge of BOCA, the national team and all the football murals around the city was breathtaking, just don't tell anyone what I first said upon seeing the Tevez RON mural next to La Bombonera :-) I have never experienced an atmosphere like the one at BOCA's home game - can't be described, must be experienced!
And then there was the wonderful ASADO, when we were very kindly invited to the home of the parents of Sol's boyfriend Max, where we were again treated like returning family members and where we enjoyed a fantastic evening, savouring the delicious meats and wines, amongst friends.
Thanks to all of you at Homefans for having made us feel so welcome and special and for having made our stay so memorable. Dave and I are already planning our next trip to South America, which will for sure include another stay in Buenos Aires, where we very much hope to be able to catch up with you all again.
In the meantime, if you are every over in Europe, don’t hesitate to drop me a line…
It's impossible to put into words just how spectacular the Mas Monumental Stadium is for an evening match under the floodlights - the colour was overwhelming and the singing was deafening at times. We had superb seats. Chan and Fede took care of everything and the whole experience was so memorable. Thanks again to our hosts for everything.
Tony
07/05/2025
The visit to Bombonera was amazing. Chan hosted and took us to a unique bar/restaurant in La Boca, and from there we soaked up the unique atmosphere outside and inside the ground. The passion of the fans and the constant singing was incredible. Thanks again Chan - you're a fantastic host.
Tony
07/05/2025
The Ultimate Argentina trip is a MUST for any football lover. You can read and watch YouTubes of the 'fan-experience' so I'll simply say it's better than you can imagine. What makes Homefans special is the people. Mariano made eveything work to perfection. It was clear from the outset in a bar on our first night for a beer that he was authentic and cared about us. Sol's passion for everthing Huracan was infectious - if Huracan is not on your list, then change your list - the stadium is a work of beauty. Chan was Boca through and through - he treated us to beers in an amazing bar before the game, and also hosted the bike ride which exceeded expectations with all the murals. And Fede was beyond entertaining with his stories and passion for River and his home neighborhood of Avellenada. The Asado will make you feel like a native of Buenos Aires - thank you Mariano and Sol and your friend Maxi and the family and everyone for that very special evening. Finally, whatever you do, add the Argentinos Juniors Stadium tour and Maradona home to your visit. This was arranged by Mariano then Dan and Tomas who introduced us to Augustin - his tour of the museuem, and especially the shrine will stay long in your memory. You will be genuinely moved if you visit the Maradona home - it is the first story I've told my friends since I got back - for me, if there is one thing to to do in BA, this is it. Finally thank again to all our Homefans hosts - you made us feel so welcome and special and I hope to see you all again soon. Tony
Peter J