On April 17, 2004 Diego Armando Maradona
was hospitalized in Buenos Aires at the Swiss-Argentine Clini
He suffered from a severe heart attack.
During those days.
Many Argentines were moved by Maradona's health.
Many traveled hundreds of miles from remote places
to be with their idol and give him strength
in return for a the joy he had given them.
"Tati' Benítez could have been one of them
Come on, Tati! Lelt’s go!
THE ROAD TO SAINT DIEGO
Written and directed by Carlos Sor n
We cal him Tati Benítez.
'Number Ten"or"Maradona',
because he knows everything about Maradona.
He knows h s moves.
His fakes...
Maradona is h s idol.
He's his god, That’s the way it is.
Restless, Maradona! Truly, truly rest ess!
- Come on! Go! - Go ahead, kiddo!
Three, four, five!
Whenever peop e talked about Maradona,
he knew everyth ng there was to know.
He knew it all.
For instance, he knew the name of the best man at h s wedd ng
He knew Maradona's daughter's birth weight
He knew about every goal he'd scored. Everything...
He had a tattoo made by a guy who... didn't know much about Maradona.
But you could see that it was Maradona,
it sa d his name underneath.
He also had "10' tattooed on his back.
It looked just like Maradona's jersey.
When he took his shirt off, it looked great.
He had "10' on his back.
Tati has a t cket
from a game where he saw Maradona's Boca soccer team.
They came to Corrientes to p ay Mandiyú about 10 years ago.
No! That was at least 15 years ago!
Could be... Time f ies and my memory is weak
But he keeps the ticket
as if it were a rel c.
The tiket is in his bedroom, at home.
It was the first time he saw Maradona. From the top bleacher.
Look what I have, guys.
llt’s Diego's piture autographed by Maradona.
Bought t from an old man in San Pedro
- How much d d you pay? - Fifty.
- F fty what? - Fifty pesos
- For that? - Yes.
It’s nie, isn't it?
- llt’s a nice souven r. - It is
- Is t authent c? - Yes
That’s Diego's signature.
I got it cheap. Who has something I ke this here?
Just me.
I think it's fake. Look, it's Diego's signature...
But it's a photograph.
- Of course - So they robbed you, man
No, It’s an autographed picture
Don't you see?
It’s Diego's s gnature. But it's a photograph.
He didn't sign it.
Don't you see?
A Brazil an must have so d it to you
have an idea.
We'll keep it here and et the monkey dec de if it's a fake.
Take a good look.
- He says it's fake. - llt’s fake! Fake!
He also has those parrots They're as fanatial as he is.
They learn al the songs!
Maradooo! Maradooo!
And they go from tree to tree,
and talk and talk, and sing and sing!
And talk and talk, and sing and sing!
And when his daughter was born,
he wanted to name her "Diega".
The name "Diega" doesn't exist. It’s made up.
It’s not like Juan and Juana
Or Luis and Luisa.
D ega doesn't exist.
There are many weird names...
and I want to name her that
They won't accept t.
What about Diego?
How can I wrte Diego for a gir?
Write down Dalma then
Da ma?
Tatl thought hls second child would be a boy.
But It wasn't.
It’s a girl. Tat! Another one!
And finally, his Diego Armando was born.
But just when he was so happy after the birth,
there were lay- offs at the mill.
The wood market was soft, as they say.
He was laid off.
'You're in,
you're out, you're in. "
And unfortunately he was laid off.
It was a shame he had to eave because he's an excellent man.
And since Tati had ost his job.
His wife had just given b rth.
And he had another mouth to feed, I suggested he go see
Mr. Silva, the artisan.
He was very old, perhaps he'd hire him.
So he went to see him.
Told him cou dn't pay him
But I could help him out.
So asked h m
to get me roots and branches.
Then he cou d sell the things
for a percentage.
You must look for a piece of wood
inhabited by a spirit.
It can be the splrlt of a toucan,
a tiger, a parrot, a wading bird...
You must learn to recognize them
the way my grandfather did
and his grandparents before him.
Tatl looked happy.
He was learning a new job.
Sllva taught him
its secrets,
the shape of the roots,
and their meanlng.
He kept an eye out for the buses with tourlsts.
Mostly foreign tourists.
Each time the bus came he would run to the stop
to offer his pieces, his work.
Sometimes
he sold something and sometimes he didn't.
But he kept hls splrits high and tried to make a llvlng.
Then one day,
when he entered the woods to look for strange-looking shapes,
he was caught in a big storm.
He bumped Into a huge fallen tlmbo-tree.
And In one of the roots, Tati saw...
the shape of a person.
He kept looklng...
and he saw the image of Maradona.
He saw Maradona's face
in the root of the tlmbo-tree.
Who would have thought that hls findlng
would change hls life?
He came to borrow my chain saw. It was pouring.
And because It’s sometimes hard to understand him,
told him'd go w th h m. We would go together.
And off we went.
When we got there we saw It.
It sort of resembled Maradona.
But It was nothing great.
It needed to be polished, prepared and then, maybe...
So we cut off the root.
It’s only a piece of wood, honey
No, It’s only a p ece of wood. llt’s just a tree!
It’s okay
Why did you bring this ins de?
Daddy brought a tree.
Why don't you take it out?
Don't you see the kid is scared?
llt’s a tree. Daddy brought a tree home
Ca m down, honey.
You're not leaving this thing here all n ght, right?
Outside, somebody m ght steal t.
Who would come here to rob us?
What s there to take?
Certainly not that thing.
Maradooo!
F you look at t from here
it looks like nothing
But from here,
it's Maradona h mself!
Diego Maradona.
Diego himself.
We know that from here,
but ook again from here...
llt’s Maradona because we already know what t s!
What do you th nk of my statue?
It’s beautiful.
What s it a statue of?
T sort of resembles Maradona.
What does it symbo ize? Diego n person.
Like it when he scores a goa and goes like this.
Yes. He does that.
Who will you sell t to and for how much?
I won't sell it. ' I give it to Diego persona ly.
Diego won't pay attention to you. He's on a different wavelength
He's not into that.
He's friends w th kings, pres dents. F del Castro...
He won't care about this.
I'm te ling you, you're wasting your time.
Diego never vis ts Mis ones.
But if he does, he won't leave We' I make him stay.
- We'll cook pork for him - Yeah, That’s rght.
And a hen, too!
We'll have lots of hens.
But he's never come to M siones.
Maradona has never come here.
And now we're asking h m to come.
To come to M s ones to see how we're do ng.
Guys, look! Boca Juniors soccer club is opening a museum.
'Boca Museum Almost Fin shed. '
Diego's statue w II ook great there!
But this paper is two months old.
Then the museum must be finished!
How will you send it?
Won't. I'I deliver it personally.
Have to meet Diego, right?
Lelt’s read it, make sure we didn't screw up.
'The undersigned person, gnacio Benítez.
From Pozo Azul in the prov nce of Misiones,
is pleased to present you w th, by way of a present,
a t mbo-tree root.
Wh ch the undersigned found long ago,
as it represents the figure of Diego Armando Maradona. "
'The undersigned person thinks t wou d look good
in the Boca's Museum of the Stars
where the world can see it
Signed, the unders gned person. '
D d I write 'unders gned person" too many t mes?
Who is that person?
That’s you. The person who signs.
No, t sounds good to me.
Okay. Sign t then.
What a moment!
They won't answer this nut!
Lots of people must send them stuff
Nothing?
No. I' let you know
Cou d it be lost?
How? This is the post offie!
I meant since the etter goes through so many places.
The letter never came.
But I always invented somethlng.
It was necessary, to keep his hopes up.
T takes them a while to answer
The board has to meet.
They have to write the minutes.
'M g ving them a statue, whalt’s there to discuss?
Even if it is a gift, Tati They have to meet, wrte minutes.
When I was on the Guarani board,
we wrote minutes for everything.
F someone farted, we wrote t down!
Aren't you com ng?
Yes. 'm coming
Anything wrong?
No, nothing.
D d you hear the radio?
Don't have a radio.
Maradona's been hospitalized.
What?
What do you mean hosp tal zed?
He's in Buenos Aires n intensive care.
T must be a joke!
No, they said it on the rad o and we saw t on TV.
It’s no joke.
Lelt’s go to Polaco's bar to see it on TV.
Wait, I'I get dressed.
- Whalt’s going on? - Noth ng
- Where are you go ng? - I'I te I you ater.
Hundreds of Maradona's fans and admirers
are here, at the Swiss-Argentine Clinic,
in Buenos Aires, to accompany Diego In thls difficult moment.
The doctor's report says that Diego
has resplratory problems and cardiac insufficiency.
But In spite of Diego's conditlon,
the few visitors who have been admitted are optimistic.
As you can see,
the walls are nearly covered with messages
and get-well letters.
We can see it all from here. There are Boca fans with drums.
They've been asked to stop the noise
because there are other patlents.
Many have stayed overnight
slnce yesterday, Sunday, praying to their saints
for Dlego to get well.
People have come from the provinces to pray for Diego.
Here we are at the clinic,
where some sources say
that Diego, or a relative, will appear
at that window to greet the people
who have been walting for hours
to find out how he Is doing.
Come on, Diego!
We have work tomorrow!
Diego's widow has arrived!
You should have made a statue of Francescoli!
This is no joke. Polaco!
S your mom home. Frencho?
Frencho!
- What? - Is your mom home?
Yes. She is
Mrs. Matilde!
H. Tati
knew you were coming. S this about a reading?
- Yes. - Come on up, then.
Whalt’s the problem? Tell me.
Found this root shaped like Diego.
- And wanted to give t to h m. - Your wife told me.
But now I don't know whether to take it to him or not.
Because he's II. What shou d I do?
- That’s your question? - Yes.
Okay, lelt’s step inside.
- Whalt’s your name? - Tat
- Yes, I know Your ful name. - Tati Benítez.
Lelt’s open the gates for Tati Benítez
Lelt’s open the gates
for Tati Benítez.
He wants to know
about Maradona's state of health.
What do you want to know then?
I want to know if have to go or not.
Don't know what to do.
Okay.
There's a tr p s there a trip?
S there a trip for Tati Benítez?
What does it say?
Is it to Buenos Aires?
It’s flat! llt’s exhausted.
- What did it say? - You must go to Buenos Aires.
And should I go see Diego or go to the Museum?
Go see Diego.
Go see Diego, he's very I.
S that thing re iable?
Yes. The pendu um's re iable.
What a question!
Won't charge you, but have him s gn this for Frencho, okay?
Sure, of course.
Tel me, Mat de. This business about me f nding the root,
Is it just because or is there a reason?
- What do you mean "just because"? - Was t pure luck or...
Somebody else cou d have found that root
No, nothing happens just because. You were meant to find t.
It’s your destiny. llt’s wrtten.
Thanks, Matilde.
Don't forget to take a camera with you.
Otherwise. Nobody w II be ieve you
Where am going to get one?
- Tolo used to have one - Think he' I lend it to me?
Sure, if he's in a good mood.
- Hello, Marso - Hi, TatiHow is it going?
Fine. Is Tolo n?
He went to get a rooster. He' I be rght back.
- Have a seat. - Thanks.
- I' help you. - Okay There's some wire.
And now, Miguel Mejia,
Radio 9 special correspondent,
at the Swiss-Argentine Clinic in Buenos Aires
where Diego Maradona is recovering.
He truly had us very worried.
Poor guy.
Life gave him everyth ng and see how he ends
Diego will pull through this one.
Sure, but intensive care at his age...
- He's a young man, right? - He turned 43 on October 30th
But 43 s young. It’s not an age to be n the ICU.
Poor fami y
Poor wife.
Marsol, does Tolo still have the camera?
Yes. It's around here somewhere, but we never use it
The film's very expensive, but f you need it I'I look around.
- That’s Tolo. - To o!
- Whalt’s up, brother? - How are things?
Tati needs to borrow the camera.
Don't know if it works.
Lelt’s check it out
Lelt’s go get it
don't know where it is.
Here it is found t.
Here. It has a cover and everything
- How does t work? - You look through here.
And press here.
- L ke this? - Yes. Look n there.
- And the film? - You have to buy t.
It’s compl cated
When will you return t?
N one, two or three days.
Be carefu with the cover
It’s a good machine.
D d you tell my husband to go to Buenos Aires, Mati de?
He asked and I gave him a reading.
But we're flat broke How's he going to get to Buenos Aires?
We owe everyone. How much do we owe you?
- I've never sa d a thing. - I know.
Mat Ide, try to conv nce him not to go.
Can't!
What f something happens to Diego? He'll never forgive me.
'M a profess onal can't make things up.
How's the money situation?
Bad.
Very bad
We have to tel him not to go...
in this situation.
But how? He believes God sent him that root.
But those things don't happen
There are so many shapes...
Tree branches can resemb e different things
A dog,
something or somebody.
But that doesn't mean
God put it there on purpose.
Or anything ike that.
llt’s a coincidence. These things happen in nature.
But it's dangerous if that becomes mystica
That’s very close to do atry.
We al know God doesn't approve of that.
But what can I do?
Let him go. Let h m take the root
and give it to Mr. Diego.
Perhaps it'll be a moving experience for him, for both of them.
Brought you this
Take the two hundred
Give me forty or f fty
Please, take t all.
' I borrow from Mara to get by.
Okay.
Who knows? Perhaps we'll all end up go ng there.
Maradona!
What are you doing here?
- Hello. - Hello.
- Has the bus come? - llt’s about to.
' I wait then
Do you want some?
Yes. Thanks.
It’s sweet.
llt’s good It’s from around here.
We had plenty of ra n this year.
Do you like t?
They're nie.
Pa nted them.
Those are my pictures. I did that
I have this stand because can't make a living from that.
Have you ever pa nted Diego?
No, I haven't.
Should now that he's sick.
You could put him in there.
Yes. Next to them.
It'll be Che, Gauch to Gil and Diego.
And it's like the Holy Trin ty!
- I stop at Oberá. - That’s okay.
- Want to put that underneath? - No, I'll keep it with me.
It’s five pesos.
There's room to put it under here
No, It’s fine here, father.
Are you go ng to Oberá?
No, I'm going to Buenos Aires.
- Buenos Aires. - Yes.
That’s a ong way
Have you been traveling long?
No, I've just left. 'M from Pozo Azul.
Beautiful place
Have you been to Pozo Azul?
No. But know the area, the jungle. The missions.
Was at the falls the other day.
It’s a wonderful place.
It’s I ke seeing God's work
fresh out of his hand, untouched.
It’s so b g and makes us feel so small.
Very pretty.
- Do you have fami y in Buenos Aires? - No, I'm bringing a present.
It’s a present for Maradona
For Diego? That’s good.
Yes. It's an mage on a tree root.
- It looks just like Diego. - Really?
See what mean? Nature is a ways a source of awe.
We just look around and it tells us something.
Tell me, father. D d I f nd it just because or...
suppose you wanted to f nd it
- You must be a great fan. - Yes.
When you wish for someth ng. God.
Finds a way of granting t to you.
Sometimes he does it n unusual ways.
But he does care about our feelings. You must be a believer.
You found t for a reason.
LEOMAR TIRE REPA R SHOP
- Hi - Hello.
- Can get a ride? - Where are you go ng?
'M go ng south, far.
'M go ng to San Javier. Is that good?
Yes. It is
Whalt’s that?
It’s a wood-carving I'm making.
- Hop on. - Thanks.
Can you give me a hand, guys?
- Does t break? - No. But don't bang it around.
Lelt’s go
What s that thing?
It’s a commission
Guys, what do you think that s? Should we bet?
Think It’s a guitar.
T could be.
It’s for camping.
Think It’s a harp
You know. A harp for musi.
No, it's a statue of Maradona ordered by the Boca Museum
- Now you're bul shitt ng - No, It’s true.
- I'm br nging it to Boca's museum - Show it to us.
This doesn't look ike Maradona.
It’s Maradona, al right.
Must be when he played in Nap es because he's fat now.
To me, it looks I ke Mona Jiménez, not Maradona.
No, It’s not La Mona.
T could be La Mona.
T looks just like La Mona. Look at the forehead. The nose...
f you see Diego, please send h m regards from Manuel Sanabra
Sure, I'll tell him.
Tell him my fami y loves h m very much.
- We adore him. - Don't worry, I'I tell h m.
If Diego's not interested. Br ng it to La Mona n Córdoba!
Dlego, man! We are with you!
There's a traffic jam
at the Intersection of Pueyrredón and Santa Fe.
Thousands of fans have gathered here.
Some people want to bring
Gauchito Gil's image.
Security is not letting them through.
There's a huge trafflc jam at the intersection.
You can tell these peop e have nothing else to do.
They shou d go to work.
This is such a generous country.
- Hello. - Hello, kid.
Need f Im for this camera.
We don't carry film
There's no profit and they expire...
Where can I get some?
There's a photo shop at the p aza.
Okay. Thanks.
- I'll be right with you. - Fine. I'I wait.
- Good morning - Good morning
- Can I help you? - Well...
need...
film for this camera
Lelt’s see.
But this is too old.
They don't make these anymore.
You won't find fi m for this anywhere.
Can I use f Im from another camera?
No, of course not.
Look,
why don't you get a new camera?
Can give you this one for $250.
It’s a bargain.
It’s Japanese.
The film is ncluded.
But I don't have enough.
How do you want to pay for it?
Do you live n the area?
No, I'm just pass ng through.
Have some things to se I. Maybe That’s enough?
Wait...
What do you think? Cou d we make an exchange?
What can do with these?
This is a photo shop.
You can decorate your home with them.
My wife used to take care of that...
But she passed away
'm not decorating.
- D d you get it? - He doesn't have any.
That guy wil go broke. He never has anything.
Do you copy me?
We'll be there about 7 p. m. Over.
- Are you going to the court house? - It'll be too late.
The court house w II be closed.
Tomorrow at 9 then.
Okay, I'll see the judge after 8 a m
and hand h m the papers Okay?
Fine, but no later than that.
F you need anything. Let me know. Over and out.
He lo
Are you head ng south?
- To Paso de os Libres. - Can you give me a ride?
- Whalt’s that? - llt’s a wood-carv ng I'm working on.
Wait, I'I ask.
Can we give him a ride to Paso de los Libres, Beto?
- Yes, no problem. - Open the back.
- Go, he' open the back - Thanks.
- Is he sick? - Dead He crashed on his bike.
We won't hear a thing.
There's too much stati.
I think they put Diego in intens ve care on purpose,
to hook us on the radio,
the TV. It’s business!
People talk about t a I the time.
I'm te ling you, he doesn't need to be in ICU
This s an ambulance, we have VHF. So lelt’s ask
Roque, Roque.
This is Victor 2 for Roque. Over.
- Yes, I'm listening. - He's eating.
What are you eating, Roque?
What?
No, nothing. Listen...
- Any news about Diego? - Diego who?
Diot
Maradona. Anything new about h s cond tion this morning?
But he's not in here.
Assho e
know that! Have you heard anything on the rad o or on TV?
Any news?
No. But I think he's very ill.
Yes. He wasn't doing too wel
- Okay, see you tomorrow. - Fine. Bye.
What a jerk
s the dead guy from the area?
Think so. Why don't you look at the papers?
Check his name.
Alejandro Miguel Fernández.
He was born on July 27, 1982.
He was a k d How old s he?
Lelt’s see...
He was 18 n 2000... He's 22.
Twenty-two A kid.
- There's a p cture. - Let me see it.
Look,
he's with his g rfriend.
- Is that Iguazu falls? - No.
That’s in Moconá.
Was there with Zu ma for our first ann versary.
But they were complete y dry. T was a real waste of time.
Bad luck!
Hey, sten
- Can I see it? - Yes, of course.
Champ! T looks like Diego.
- It does, doesn't it? - Of course. Who e se cou d it be?
If you see h m, give him a b g hug from Victor 2,
from Paso de los Libres
Go. Champ!
Hel o. What can offer you? 'Maté', metal straws, thermos...
Where can I get a roll of fi m?
F Im? There, the guy n the red car.
- Thanks. - You're we come
What do you need? Have scotch, Johnny 'Label".
Rad o. Recorders...
have...
si k sh rts.
Do you have film?
Anything you want.
It’s for this camera.
Let me see t.
Be carefu with the cover
No, this is way too o d.
Have...
a camera that comes w th the rol and everything.
With that you can... Look, it's top techno ogy.
Wait, I'I get it for you.
Okay.
Here it is
See? You don't have to oad it or anything, it's fully automatic.
It’s a beauty.
You just press here and use it al you want.
- And how much s it? - I can give it to you for $50.
Fifty is sort of...
Okay, make it forty Forty.
I have some crafts if you want to see them.
What s this? Are you try ng to make me buy?
No, I mean. Perhaps we can exchange some...
No. This s one market and That’s another.
D fferent markets.
But you can eave them, on cons gnment...
And when I sell them you can come get your money.
Pol ce! Lelt’s go, Ma donado!
The cops! Motherfuckers!
Son of a bitch!
Leave your stuff We'll work it out later.
What do you have there?
It’s a wood-carving.
- Can we see t? - Yes
Who is t?
Maradona
- Maradona? - Diego.
And the camera?
It’s mine
Where's the stamp?
Stamp?
The one from customs
D d you buy it from those crooks?
Come on, García! Leave the guy alone
Just a moment
Don't buy without the stamp It’s 15 days n jai
- Been wait ng long? - No, I just got here.
We're a bit beh nd schedule. Get on.
Thanks.
- I think I made a mistake. - Aren't you go ng to the sanctuary?
No, I'm going to Buenos Aires.
Come with us. llt’s on the way
- How much s it? - No, it's nothing
Thanks then.
- Haven't we met before? - Think so.
- Are you go ng to Gauchito's? - No, Buenos Aires
Won't you pray to h m since you'll be there?
' I have to see.
We're going because my husband lost his job
eight months ago and we've ost everything.
We think maybe Gauchito can help us.
Yes. Know peop e who went there...
- And things went very we I. - Yes. He's very good
A MEETING WITH FA TH GAUCH TO GIL
- Aren't you coming? - I have to travel before dark.
F you change your m nd. There's a bonfire gathering ater
Wel, thanks.
- Whalt’s this for? - It connects to the battery
- To the battery? - Yes.
T goes on and off.
T looks good.
And this?
T looks like snow
Which one do you like best? This or this one?
The one w th the light is more fun.
You're right. How much is it?
- Eight pesos. - E ght. Here you go.
I don't have change. Can I give you a chocolate?
- Or any other 2-peso item. - You like choco ate?
- Yes, sometimes. - Okay Give me two.
- Are you from around here? - No, I'm trying to get a rde
Where to?
Buenos A res.
Buenos A res? I'm go ng that way.
- Rea ly? - Really. Lelt’s go.
- Lucky me. - Lucky? Thank the gods
- What do you have n there? - A statue of Maradona.
Oh. No won't have Maradona in my truck.
Get somebody else
Maradona doesn't ride w th Braz lians
Come on. I'I do t for you, not for Maradona.
Okay, I can't say
Pele is better than Maradona...
But Pele is a serous man.
He's a minister now. Pele never makes you fee ashamed.
But what about Maradona? Who is he now?
What do you have back there?
Ch ckens Fifty thousand of them.
Are you tired?
- Wou d you I ke to get some sleep? - No, thanks.
That’s my church
and my saints.
And here the Orixás.
Each person has his own Orixá.
They are I ke guard an angels
that look after us.
And That’s the Virgin of Itatí.
Yes. look.
Oh. That’s good.
And there you have the ucky frog
for good fortune, money. Work...
What about that lady?
That’s my aunt from Porto Alegre.
She speaks with the dead.
I also know a lady who speaks with the dead.
You have to be careful about that. There are many bad people
But my aunlt’s good Very serous.
I've seen her work The spirits of the dead enter her.
They get in her body and she spits this white foam...
It’s quite amazing.
Whalt’s the matter? Has everybody gone mad?
They're a I blow ng the r horns. Something must be wrong'll stop.
Everyth ng's fine! Why are you blowing your horns?
Everybody's crazy!
Whalt’s going on?
Don't know. The truck s fine.
Lelt’s listen to the radio.
Thls is an offlclal report regarding Diego's health.
But rumors Indicate Doctors are saylng
that people are saylng
that Maradona has left the clinlc
without permlssion.
He escaped.
Diego Maradona has left the clinic without permission.
Apparently he left the ICU and left in a van with frlends...
He escaped.
Playing golf!
They say Diego Is playing golf...
Playing golf!
Lelt’s find a TV. Lelt’s find out whalt’s go ng on.
REGIONAL PRODUCTS
They must have a TV n here
Yes. Listen.
H. Did Maradona show up?
Yes. He's at a country house. Look
Very close to the Western Hlghway...
You can see the image of the golf course.
We are getting close
to the main building, and from here
we can also see Dlego Maradona.
He's in a cart that will take him around the park.
Look at Maradona.
He looks overwelght,
as he did before entering the cllnic.
He's fat. He looks like a hippo!
Cou dn't it be somebody in d sguise?
Nobody's in disguise. That’s him, honey.
Anything's poss b e w th make-up.
What are you ta king about? Don't you see the people?
Don't you th nk they'd know? They're journal sts.
So what? Is that a miracle?
Yes. God gave him another hand.
Diego! A picture, Diego!
S that him?
- Why don't you bring your Maradona? - It’s in the truck.
- He brought a statue of Maradona. - A statue?
Yes. For Boca Juniors.
Go get it. Haven't seen it yet.
'Ll be! Where did you get t?
llt’s a tree root found t on my way home.
Come see this. Honey.
' I buy t from you.
Don't get carried away w th this thing.
It’s not just a thing.
That’s not what meant.
He gets carried away
and overpays things.
But I'm not se ling t.
Because it's for Boca's Museum.
- How much are they paying you? - Noth ng.
- Nothing? - Noth ng.
' I pay you. Two hundred pesos.
Two hundred pesos and a dozen salamis
Caroya salam. Mind you.
Come on, two hundred and the salami is good.
No, I've a ready told you.
Three hundred
Listen.
' I put it here.
It’s busy in the summer, everybody wi see it.
Diego will look great in here.
No, sorry but can't.
You' I be proud.
Besides. Diego brings me luck.
Can't you see he doesn't want to se I it?
Why do you insist?
How about this? I' take a piture of you and the statue.
We'll send it You put it here t'll bring you uck just the same.
You won't send it.
Yes. 'll bring it on the way back.
Give me the camera I'll take the piture.
You too, Tati
Then you send t to h m.
- Smile! - Four hundred.
Cou d it be possible that your statue has powers?
Cou dn't it be magial?
Magial?
Pay attention
Maradona recovered just like that, right?
And now he's p aying golf.
Cou d it be that the statue has specia powers?
Special powers?
Yes. Many saints work mirac es.
Bring it over and let me touch it, just in case.
Saint Maradona! That’s all needed!
Look. Something must have happened there.
Shit!
They blocked the brdge
DON'T CLOSE THE TANNERY
Whalt’s going on?
I have 150 thousand chikens to de iver by tomorrow or they' I die!
We can't let you go through, man. llt’s a roadblock.
The chikens w II d e
'll ose my truck, my job, everything.
Yes. But we held a meeting to decide it.
150 thousand chiks will die.
Understand,
but we're only lett ng ambulances through.
Okay. Who can I talk to?
Only Rodriguez.
Who is Rodriguez?
The guy talking to the press.
Look. Ernesto, if the tannery closes
this town disappears.
N C ty Hal, together w th the peop e.
We've decided to take over because it's our ch Idren's future
Mr. Rodriguez, please
have 200 thousand chiks n my truck.
Need to get to Buenos Aires or they' I starve to death
Four miles from here there's a dirt road to Route 12
It’s only a bit longer
But my truck is too ong and I can't maneuver on a dirt road
What do I te I the others if let you through?
Get your statue.
- What? - Yes, get the statue of Maradona.
The stew is great, Juana!
Start the mus c, guys.
Mr. Rodriguez.
- Whalt’s go ng on? - Something amazing.
Okay, show me
This guy has a wooden statue of Maradona.
T was comm ssioned by Boca Juniors
- Lelt’s see it. - Just a minute He's bringing t.
Juana, get my Brazilian friend some stew.
- Here it is. - Rodrguez!
Look, Rodriguez.
- Commissioned by Boca. - I have to deliver it tomorrow.
Look...
Let me ask. We decide everyth ng together.
We have to vote
Okay, ask
Lelt’s see what they say
Your attentibn. Please!
Your attentibn!
These people have something for Diego Armando Maradona
t was comm ssioned by Boca Juniors
We al know that Diego is going through a diffiult time.
Shall we let them through?
I'm a River fan. Can't let them through!
Guys, this is seribus.
Show t!
Look!
Listen, Tat!
Maradona is on TV.
Sorry. You were s eep ng
It’s okay
You were dreaming about Maradona.
No, I don't remember
But I did a few days ago
Yes? Te me about it!
Don't remember very well but...
t was like...
t was a p ace, it was green...
and there were many white I ghts
The TV cameras were there.
And there was this guy in a red sh rt shout ng.
'Diego s coming! Diego is com ng!"
Diego is com ng!
And did Maradona come?
D d he?
Don't know. My w fe woke me up. Was screaming.
Were you?
Do you believe n dreams?
No, I don't remember them.
Yes
' I tell you a story.
When I was a kid
I lived n Porto Alegre w th my mother.
Her husband, my step-father
worked far away. In Bras ia.
One night.
My mother had a very we rd dream.
She dreamed she was on a sugar p anTation
And she was wa k ng non-stop.
But she didn't move
She woke up very frightened.
She cal ed Brasil a
and they told her
her husband had hurt himself with his shotgun.
He was hunting on a sugar p anTation.
Was it true then?
Yes. Dreams are always true.
He lo
- Is the guy from the truck here? - Yes, he's coming.
Okay. I'I wait
Do you want something to drink?
Thanks. I'm not staying long.
Why are you in such a hurry? Have something to drink.
Okay, a coke then.
Will you buy me a drink?
Sure.
A coke and a coffee liquor.
- Whalt’s your name? - Tat
'm Soledad.
- Are you w th the bear? - What bear?
The Brazi ian guy. He's a regular.
You call him 'the bear'?
Yes. He's very hairy
When he's naked he looks like a bear.
He always goes with two g rs,
but today he d dn't have time.
Excuse me.
That'll be 10 pesos. Man.
Okay.
- Where are you go ng? - Buenos A res.
Can you take me w th you?
Mean t.
Ask me and I'I go.
Don't you like me?
Yes
have a frend in Buenos A res. She works for an agency.
T seems she makes in a day what we make n a month.
Do you have children?
Yes. Three.
I have one. H s name is Gerardo
He is in Posadas
f things go well in Buenos A res, he'I live w th me.
- Are you from Misiones? - Yes, I am.
'M from Oberá.
N ce place.
How long have you been here?
A year.
Where's that? At Diego's?
Yes. That’s where Maradona is
think they're celebrating.
Amazing.
Maradona!
Do you want a massage?
This girl has golden hands.
And a beaut ful vo ce.
Sing us a song.
F this guy comes back
give him the best g rs. He's Waguinho's friend.
Wait. I'I check on the chicks
Okay.
See? Was tell ng the truth
thought you were kidding me.
420.
What have you heard about Maradona? How's he doing?
He must be s eeping They partied last n ght.
Excuse me. Do you know where that golf course is?
I think it's somewhere in General Rodr guez.
Lelt’s go to the gas station They must know.
Take care of yourself.
C ties are dangerous.
- I'll be careful. - Please do.
' I get a phone
May God be with you
Bye
Wel, my partner n adventure...
You stay here.
Yes
- Thanks for the ride. - llt’s nothing.
Let me see Let me touch it. Just n case.
- Thanks. - Good uck, partner.
Thanks.
Hope you f nd him
- Good morning... - I'll be right with you.
- Sugar or sweetener? - Sugar.
That’s the line.
- Cro ssants. - What k nd?
- The big ones. - How many?
Are they warm? Two.
6 pesos.
Thanks.
He lo
- Thanks. - Bye.
What can get you?
- Cro ssants too. - B g ones?
Six of them?
Fine.
360.
Cou d you tell me how to get to General Rodrguez?
Genera Rodriguez...
No, I have no idea.
Ask the girls outside. Perhaps they know
- Thanks. - Thank you.
D d you talk to your friend?
No, she left the hotel and didn't eave a number.
Are you go ng back then?
Not n a mill on years.
Do you want a croissant?
- Thanks. - They're warm.
Take 2 or 3. There's enough.
- Thanks. Bye. - You're we come See you.
- Good morning - Hello.
'M go ng to General Rodriguez. What can I take?
Does the 168 bus go to General Rodriguez?
- llt’s the one to La Plata. - It goes through here?
Yes. It stops at the roundabout.
- Thanks. - You're we come
- Are you go ng to General Rodriguez? - Yes. Get on.
llt’s 4 pesos. Put the coins in the machine
Are you going to the country house?
- Which country house? - Maradona's
Yes Do you know where it is?
Many people went there yesterday. 'Ll et you off before the stop.
- You'I be much closer from there. - Thanks.
D d you see him yesterday?
- Saw h m on TV. - He played five holes.
He's f ne already.
He's immortal. He'll outlive us all.
- I'm sure he'll appear again today. - I hope so.
F I wasn't working I'd go there too.
These are histori moments.
Something to tell your grandchildren.
We're not far, you can get off here.
Okay, thank you.
It’s about 6 or 7 blocks from here
- Thanks. - You should a so get off here, sir
Can you help him?
Are you going to the country house?
Yes
- Can we go together? - Yes, I'I help you.
Lelt’s go then.
You just walk as usual.
Can manage
if there's a potho e...
or a ditch
Don't worry.
' I et you know
'm new at se ing Lottery tickets.
I d dn't like t at first, but we all need to make a living.
A question. What do you have there?
It’s a wood-carving of Maradona.
Rea ly?
Yes. It's a root in the shape of Diego.
- Wou d you let me feel it? - Yes.
Does Maradona look ike this?
He used to. Now he's bigger
N ce wood.
It’s from a timbo-tree.
Very good Congratulations.
This must be it.
S there anything else you need?
No, thank you. Son.
See you later. Then.
Good luck
Excuse me, sir What time does Maradona come out?
We have no informat on about that. He doesn't have a schedule.
We brought him a cake. T needs to be n the refrigerator.
Repeat
We don't know when Maradona wi I show up.
Can you give t to h m? The cream w II go bad. P ease?
Okay, lelt’s see.
Cou d I write him a note?
Yes. Ma'am.
Thank you, sir.
' I send t w thisomebody working ins de
What do you want it to say?
For Armando Maradona, aunt e
Anything else?
From Maria and Santiago...
Sorry. Lelt’s get out of the way...
Yes What do you need?
I would also like to eave this for Diego.
- What is that? - It’s like a statue.
- A statue? - Yes, a wooden statue
Antúnez!
Can we accept a statue for Diego?
Ask inside.
- Riverito. - I'm listening.
We have someone here who wants to del ver something.
It looks like a statue. Can we accept it?
A statue? Do we have to pay?
- Do we have to pay? - No. Of course not
No, It’s free of charge
Take it then. Send it over when someone comes in.
Okay.
You can leave it. We'll unwrap t for securty reasons.
Fine.
Look, auntie! It’s Maradona!
- Did you do it? - Yes
It’s good.
Can you attach a safety pin so it doesn't get lost.
Yes. Of course
Listen. I'd also like to tell him it's from me
You can leave a note
But I'm not good at writ ng
- Want me to help? - If you could.
We have to help each other. What shall wrte?
From Tati Benítez...
- Benítez? - Yes, Benítez
From Pozo Azul...
- Where is that? - In Misiones.
- Okay. There you go. - Thanks
Here's the note.
Lelt’s see if we can see him.
Okay. Come around and bring it in.
Put it here.
It’s Diego! Diego!
Diego is com ng!
- What happened? - He left.
What do you mean he eft?
Listen to the radio.
We're still on Diego Maradona's track...
There are several rumors.
He could be heading for a rehab center in Ramos Mejía...
or he could be going to Ezeiza Internatlonal airport...
'm sure he left for Cuba.
- I think he was kidnapped - Cut the crap!
With the reporters, who wou d dare?
Castro's afraid of no one.
What are you saying? He'd invite him.
They're frends.
- Yes. What do you want? - Have you seen the statue I left?
- It was for Diego. - What was it like?
T was a wooden statue. T looked just I ke him.
Lelt’s see. I'I check.
R cardo, can you hear me?
Ricardo, this is Jiménez.
- I'm listenlng. - Did you see a statue for Diego?
A statue?
Tel him it was I ke a root.
It was like a root.
I don't know. Let me see.
What do you want me to do? Sha I I bring it to you?
No. There's nothing here.
- Do you think they took it? - Yes, it could be. llt’s not here.
Who took it? Diego?
He took many things with him.
Who? Diego, personal y?
Maybe he did. Otherwise it'd be there.
Okay. Thanks.
Bye
Want to buy a lottery ticket?
How are you? How much is it?
It’s you! How did t go?
Fine t seems Diego took the statue with him
That’s great! Lucky you.
Hope he truly likes it
Yes. He will. I'm sure
Lelt’s see if I'm lucky.
I'm sure you' I win with this one.
How do you know?
Just a hunch.
How much is it?
Nothing. I won't charge you
Is it a present?
Keep it safe. It’s for tomorrow.
- Thanks. Shall wa k you? - No. They're p cking me up.
Good-bye.
Listen.
Think of me tomorrow!