Community News and videos When Soccer and Climbing Meet in Patagonia

When Soccer and Climbing Meet in Patagonia

"¿Qué miras Bobo? Anda p'alla!" From @‌seanvillanuevaodriscoll, read the story behind how this legendary quote became the name of two epic Patagonian routes.

August 14 2023

Two Routes Names after a Legend — a Soccer Legend

"Messi, arguably one of the best football players in the world, is usually calm and composed, but there is one famous interview that was taken after the quarter finals of the World Cup, when he gets angry at someone and says "Qué miras Bobo? Anda p'alla!" Which translates as "What are you looking at, fool? Go away!" In Argentina the sentence became a viral meme, it appeared on t-shirts, stickers, murals, tattoos etc.

On January 10th, 2023, together with Italians Matteo Della Bordella and Leo Gheza, I climbed a new route on the East Face of Aguja Mermoz (2732m) in Patagonia, we named the route "Qué miras Bobo?" (7b, 500m). The naming of this new route was even reported on Argentinian news channels!

The same day a strong Argentinian team, consisting of Facundo Saubidet, Jere Castana and Santi Scavolini climbed a new route on the close by west face of Aguja Guillaumet (2580m), 450m, 7b A0. They decided to name it "Anda p'alla" to complete Messi's legendary phrase in the Fitz Roy Mountain range. There were two pitches that had not been freed and they lured us to try it with photo’s of amazing cracks and suggested that the crux pitch might possibly go free at 8a, which would probably make it the hardest free pitch in the massif. Of course, I gave it a try…"

Photo: "Qué miras Bobo?" (7b, 500m) with Sean Villanueva, Matteo Della Bordella and Leo Gheza.

A New Classic in the Fitz Roy Range

"A small weather window offered the perfect opportunity for Pete Whittaker and I to attempt this route. It did not disappoint: brilliant rock and perfect flaring splitter cracks. I put up a good fight and managed to onsight through the points of aid on pitch 4 which went free at about 7b+. Then both Pete and I worked out the moves on the wet and icy crack of the crux pitch. When Pete gave it an attempt he climbed impeccably and surprised all of us by redpointing it. I gave it my all seconding but slipped just after the crux, finishing the pitch with one fall. We then continued to the summit on some incredible pitches. Photographer Julia Cassou tagged along with us on the climb to take some pictures. It’s a high quality route, and it’ll be a hard and classic test piece in the Fitz Roy massif! Well done to Facu, Santi and Jere for envisioning this line."

Photo: Sean Villanueva climbing "Anda p'alla" (7b A0, 450m)

Related News

BELAY DEVICE OVERVIEW No matter your skill or experience level, understanding your equipment and mastering proper belay technique is an important part of being a climber. Choosing which belay device you're going to buy is an important decision, because it's the device you'll reach for every time you go climbing. That's why we make a range of belay devices that are versatile and easy to use. All of our belay devices were designed to meet the specific needs of climbers and elevate their experience. Find out how different Petzl belay devices adapt to your needs and objectives.

All You Need to Know About the New SWIFT RL The ultimate multi-sport headlamp, the new SWIFT RL was designed with features that enhance its versatility and make it the superior choice. Put it to the test on trails, moving through the mountains, and carving turns off-piste. It's the light you'll reach for when preparing for every dynamic and committing objective you take on.

All You Need to Know About the New SITTA Harness If you're passionate about mountaineering and pushing your limits on rock, you've probably heard about the SITTA — and you've probably climbed in one, too! We've got good news: the newest version is available now, bringing you even greater performance and ease of use in all disciplines.

NEOX® — Leading the Way In Sustainability For decades, Petzl has made it possible for those who are passionate about the outdoors to experience unique moments in nature and access incredible places. So it's important for us to do our part to protect the environment. We've set two main environmental objectives: reduce our CO2 emissions and reduce our waste. We've also taken action on several projects, including the development of an eco-friendly design approach. In 2024, discover the first Petzl product designed with this approach: the new NEOX® belay device with cam-assisted blocking, optimized for belaying a lead climber.