In the quiet village of Bukovka, around 90 kilometres east of Prague, one house stands out from all the others.
Painted in Argentina’s iconic sky blue and white, complete with a giant Sun of May on its façade, it is impossible to miss. Outside, a life-sized statue of Diego Maradona greets visitors, while a massive mural of Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad covers the back of the building.
The extraordinary home belongs to Miloslav “Čurby” Urbanec, 51, arguably Czechia’s most devoted supporter of Argentine football.
Urbanec’s passion began almost five decades ago. As a four-year-old, he watched the 1978 FIFA World Cup with his father, who supported Brazil. But while his father admired Pelé and the Brazilian greats, Urbanec fell in love with Argentina.
The team’s long-haired stars reminded him of Winnetou, his childhood hero, and Argentina’s triumph that summer sealed a lifelong obsession.
His admiration has since grown far beyond simply watching matches. After returning from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he decided to transform his property into a tribute to Argentina’s football culture.
Miloslav “Curby” Urbanec, a 51-year-old Czech national and an ardent Argentine football fan, walks through a yard of his house in the village of Bukovka near the town of Lazne Bohdanec, Czech Republic, June 29, 2026. REUTERS/David W Cerny
The mural features not only Lionel Messi but also head coach Lionel Scaloni, assistant coaches Pablo Aimar and Walter Samuel, and every member of the World Cup-winning squad.
Behind the house lies another remarkable feature: a private five-a-side football pitch inspired by Boca Juniors’ famous La Bombonera stadium. What was once an unused, swampy area has been converted into a miniature arena complete with terraces that can accommodate around 50 spectators.
The surrounding fences are decorated with images of Boca Juniors legends, reflecting Urbanec’s deep affection for Argentina’s most famous club.
The football theme extends to almost every corner of his life. His van is painted in Argentina’s colours and features images of Maradona lifting the World Cup alongside the slogan “In Messi We Trust.” One of his sons is named Lionel, while his attempt to name another child Diego Armando was politely vetoed by his wife.
Inside the house, Urbanec keeps an extensive collection of football memorabilia, including around 50 shirts from Argentine clubs, vintage editions of the legendary magazine El Gráfico, signed photographs and posters of both Maradona and Messi.
As Argentina prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the blue-and-white house in Bukovka is once again ready to celebrate. For Urbanec, another World Cup dream is just one match away.
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