Argentinian Voices in Qatar - Mauro Ingegnieri on Football, Culture and Community

When Mauro Ingegnieri first arrived in Doha, he had no idea just how much it would come to feel like home. Born in Argentina and trained in large-scale event operations, Mauro arrived in Qatar with one goal: to be part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

As an Argentinian events producer with experience across international projects, the chance to contribute to football’s most prestigious tournament felt unmissable. “I applied immediately,” he says. “It felt like the opportunity of a lifetime - and that was even before Argentina became the World Champions!” Three years on, Mauro still calls Qatar home.

Argentina’s World Cup Triumph in Qatar

As an expert in major sports and entertainment events, Mauro had long dreamed of working on a football world cup. “But doing it here, in the Middle East for the first time, made it even more meaningful,” he says. “It was a chance to grow professionally and to experience being part of a new culture.”

Argentina’s iconic win only intensified the experience. “To have one of the greatest Argentinian teams in history win it added a layer of emotion I’ll never forget.” He recalls moments of pure euphoria shared by Qatari and Argentinian fans. “It felt surreal. We all blended into one. Even now, Argentinians who had the opportunity to experience it first-hand still talk about what it was like. That feeling will stay with us forever.”

When Two Cultures Connect

Mauro quickly noticed strong ties between Argentinian and Qatari cultures. “After working closely with Qataris and being welcomed into and immersed in their culture, I saw that we have so many similarities,” he explains. “The importance of family, the value placed on hospitality, the passion for gathering around food, and the pride in traditions are just some examples of how deeply connected our cultures are.”

Beyond the stadiums, Mauro recalls how during the tournament, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, and Lusail transformed into spontaneous gathering points where fans from around the world came together. “Qatari fans even sang Argentinian songs along with us,” he says.

A Cultural Exchange Over Coffee

For Mauro, cultural exchange often begins in the kitchen, or over coffee. “I’ve been lucky to work with Qataris from different generations, and there’s genuine interest in our culture, our food, traditions, music and mate.”

Food has become a shared language of connection.  “Through sharing our traditions together, we have karak and maamoul in the morning and mate with medialunas in the afternoon,” he says of his Qatari colleagues. “It’s a really unique and special exchange.” Some of his friends now have their own mate cups and keep yerba in their homes or offices. “It’s amazing to see how culture travels.”

That exchange goes both ways. “I love Arabic coffee, karak, dates, and all the traditional sweets,” describes Mauro. “My Qatari friends and colleagues are always introducing me to new things. I am super lucky to experience all of this!”

Building a Career in Qatar

Professionally, Mauro’s time working in Qatar has been transformative. “It has truly been a masterclass in collaboration. Being part of multicultural teams has taught me that success is rooted in understanding how people from different cultures work, communicate, and solve problems. That kind of cultural awareness makes a real difference."

He also notes Qatar’s exceptionally high standards. “It pushed me to pay even more attention to detail, to move faster, and to always aim for quality, even under pressure.”

But more than anything, Mauro feels proud to contribute to something lasting. “The biggest lesson has been realising that every event here carries a sense of legacy. As events professionals, we have the chance to contribute to something that will be remembered by locals and internationals alike. That gives the work a different kind of meaning.”

The Argentinian Community in Qatar

Argentina may be more than 13,000 kilometres from Doha, but Mauro still feels close to his roots. “We’re naturally very social, so we stay connected through sports, exploring Qatar together, or just a good weekend Asado,” he contemplates. “Food, music, conversation are always at the heart of our gatherings. They keep us close, no matter where we are in the world.”

What advice does he have for Argentinians who have recently moved to Qatar?“Be open and respectful, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Qataris are incredibly welcoming, and if you approach with genuine interest, they’re always happy to share, help, and engage,” he says. “Try to explore different areas of Qatar each week - there is so much to see.”

An Unforgettable World Cup

When asked to name a single favourite moment from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Mauro doesn’t miss a beat.“The last two games were simply unforgettable,” he emphasises. “For any football fan, regardless of nationality, they were incredible matches. But for us Argentinians living here and being part of the tournament’s organisation was something beyond words. I still get goosebumps just remembering the mix of suffering, joy, and pure drama.”

“Imagine doing your job during the Final of the World Cup while your national team is playing,” he recounts. “And not just playing, but playing one of the most dramatic matches in football history. You want to cry, laugh, jump, scream all at the same time. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that brought everything together.” 

Mauro still carries the awe of that day and the pride of being Argentinian in Qatar during a global event that captured the world’s imagination. “What made it even more special was the support from the local community. They were singing with us, celebrating with us, and sharing our emotions. It felt like a true moment of unity. I’ll never forget seeing Qataris wave our flags, chant with us, and feel the highs and lows with us.”

More Than a Game

The World Cup showed what cultural exchange can look like at its best; shared emotions, mutual respect, and a love for the game that transcends borders. 

Mauro’s experience embodies the spirit of the Years of Culture initiative: a reminder that lasting cultural bridges are built not only through large-scale events, but in everyday moments, over coffee, conversation, and a sense of community.

Explore upcoming events as part of the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture