Love Offside: The Pact of Kisses and Arepas Uniting Portugal and Colombia

MIAMI — The surrounding scenery looks like something out of a picture postcard, the kind that fuels the imagination of those dreaming of South Florida. The sky is clear, palm trees sway rhythmically in the sea breeze, and the golden sands of Miami Beach stretch as far as the eye can see.

However, this idyllic calm is purely visual. On the day of the scorching Colombia-Portugal match, which will conclude Group K of the 2026 World Cup, the sporting tension has moved indoors.

We found Frederico Gonçalves and Catalina strolling near the beach. He, a proud native of Porto, she, a fervent citizen of Medellín. They live together in the heart of the so-called “Capital of Latin America,” but humorously admit to A BOLA that domestic diplomacy will face a tough 90-minute test tonight.

“It hasn’t been easy managing things at home as game time approaches,” Frederico confesses with a laugh, properly outfitted in Portugal’s away jersey. “We know it’s going to be an interesting and tense match. We’re both very confident in our national teams, but we’ve made a pact. When the referee blows the final whistle, no matter what happens on the field, we’ll share a kiss, and the winner will console the loser,” the Portuguese reveals.

Catalina, proudly displaying Colombia’s yellow jersey and holding a traditional fan to combat Florida’s infernal heat, nods her head but issues a clear warning. “This game is no simple joke! May the best team win, but as far as I’m concerned, we both need to advance to the next stage. It’s for the good and survival of our relationship! If one of us gets knocked out in the group stage, things at home will get very complicated,” she quips, amused.

This couple’s story began in 2018 when Catalina moved to Miami. It was the culmination of “love at first sight,” mediated by mutual friends during an afternoon get-together. “We connected immediately,” the Colombian recalls with a sparkle in her eyes: “Despite all the cultural differences, I discovered he loved Colombia and already knew my country.”

Frederico corroborates the mystique of their first meeting but adds a nuance with typical Portuguese humor. “It was love at first sight, yes, but as a good Portuguese man, I had to fight hard to win her over! At first, she didn’t pay much attention to me, she played hard to get, but I kept at it, and the Portuguese charm eventually broke through the wall,” he jokes.

Frederico arrived in the US much earlier, driven by another sport. A native of Porto, he lived in the Invicta city until he was 18, with tennis as his great passion. He started playing at 5, competing at 10, and by 14, he was already traveling the world, participating in tournaments in Belgium and Russia. He was regional champion for U-16 and U-18 and won the national club championship with Ténis da Foz.

However, a serious injury between the ages of 17 and 18 forced him to recalibrate his destiny. An opportunity arose for a scholarship in Kentucky, where he earned a degree in International Business, sharing a locker room with athletes from Australia, Slovenia, Belarus, and France.

“It was a culture shock, but I embraced the opportunity,” Frederico explains. In 2010, he moved permanently to Miami to work at a prestigious tennis academy. Today, he works independently, traveling the circuit with a professional ATP player, and also serves as a travel advisor for I Click Go, a Portuguese tourism company: “The idea is to bring Americans to Portugal and Europeans to experience Miami. And tennis helps a lot to open those doors.”

Despite being based in Florida, Frederico has never severed ties with his homeland. “I always go back in the summer. I really miss the people I grew up with,” he confesses. The shared passion for sports inevitably extends to gastronomy. In the couple’s home, the menu dictates territorial laws. “I have to confess that we eat more Colombian food,” the Porto native admits. “I’ve become an unconditional fan of arepas! But when we cook Portuguese, we make the most of it. She loves everything from the sea. Octopus is her favorite dish, and pastéis de nata are Catalina’s true mortal sin.”

For early Sunday morning’s match, Frederico predicts a balanced game, though his club loyalty also shines through. As a fervent Porto supporter, he doesn’t forget the Colombian stars who shone at the Estádio do Dragão.

“I’ve always believed in a 1-1 draw for this game. Of course, I want Portugal to win, but Colombia is very physically strong and has the ability to change the pace of the game at any moment. I’ve always had a huge affection for Colombia because of the players who played for FC Porto: Jackson, James, Luis Díaz, Falcao, or Guarín. They marked our history.”

On the Colombian side, respect for the Portuguese squad is absolute, but ambition is equally high. Catalina already knows Portugal and passionately recalls the impact the country had on her. “I loved Portugal, the super kind people, the sea, the food... But this Saturday, if Portugal wins, I’ll be with you until the end of the World Cup, but first, we have to make sure Colombia goes as far as possible! Colombia all the way!” she exclaims, invoking the South American team’s battle cry.

As the conversation with A BOLA concluded, the relaxed atmosphere gave way to a moment of official unity. In front of the camera, Frederico rallied: “Portugal, Portugal, Portugal, let’s go!” while Catalina raised her fist and shouted “Colombia!”

Two nations on a collision course on the pitch, but perfectly in tune in the heart of Miami. Tonight, Hard Rock Stadium will decide who smiles first, but in this couple’s home, love has already secured an early victory.