An unforgettable friendly in Puebla
The Spanish National Team experienced an unexpected moment during their first friendly in America, held at the iconic Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. The match against Peru, a preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, was overshadowed by a rendition of the Spanish national anthem that extended beyond the usual.
As the match began, the Spanish players were met with a version of the Marcha Real that lasted over two minutes. This unusual occurrence prompted knowing glances and nervous smiles among the footballers, who were used to hearing a much shorter version in their international commitments.
The cameras quickly captured the expressions of surprise and bewilderment among the team members, who exchanged gestures while waiting for the end of a performance that seemed endless. The situation was commented on by journalist Juan Carlos Rivero, who highlighted during the broadcast that they were listening to “the long version” of the anthem.
It wasn't long before this curious episode became a viral phenomenon. Fans began sharing videos and humorous comments about the anthem's duration. One user, @robertognzlz, joked: “The full anthem of Spain, we’re off to a good start,” while others compared the anthem's length to key moments in the match.
@ana_ro0 ironically commented: “The Spanish anthem lasted longer than Peru without conceding a goal,” reflecting how this anecdote overshadowed even the development of the game. The peculiarity of the Spanish anthem, known for its melody but without an official lyric, also became a topic of discussion among internet users.
Despite being a simple protocol act before the match, the prolongation of the anthem quickly became one of the most discussed topics both inside and outside the stadium. The captured images showed players reacting with surprise to this unusually long ceremony, which created a relaxed atmosphere before the official start of the match.
As reactions continued to flow on social media, many viewers at home also expressed their initial confusion about whether there had been a technical error during the ceremony. Comments like “I thought they had played the anthem wrong” reflect how this episode managed to capture widespread attention.
Although the sporting result is important, it is clear that this anecdotal episode has left an indelible mark on fans and players alike. The knowing glances and nervous laughter have shown that even in serious moments like an international match, there can be room for the unexpected and the fun.





