Minute30.com .- Cali reaffirmed why it is the “Sports Capital of America. On an afternoon full of nostalgia, goals and hugs, more than 15,000 people gathered at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium to pay tribute to Mario Alberto Yepes. The “Eternal Captain” of the Colombian National Team hung up his boots surrounded by a constellation of stars that delighted the fans with a match that will remain engraved in the memory of national soccer.

From the early hours, the stands were dyed yellow, blue and red. The atmosphere of peace and coexistence demonstrated that the city not only breathes football, but also has the logistical and security maturity to host international shows.

A “Dream Team” on the Pascual grass

The meeting was a parade of legends. Accompanying Yepes were world figures such as David Trezeguet, Javier Saviola and Antonio Valencia. The local flavor was provided by immortal idols such as Iván Ramiro Córdoba, Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama, René Higuita, Juan Pablo Ángel and Falcao García, who once again put on the guayos to honor the career of the marshal of the tricolor defense.

The technical direction was also luxurious:

Yellow Team: Led by the current national coach, Néstor Lorenzo.

Blue Team (PSG): Commanded by the historic duo of Francisco ‘Pacho’ Maturana and Faustino ‘El Tino’ Asprilla.

The refereeing was in charge of Wílmar Roldán, who dispensed justice in a match where the result was the least important, but the talent was abundant.

Rain of goals and tribute to the “Colossus”

The ball rolled at 5:12 pm and it didn’t take long for the net to move. Juan Pablo Ángel opened the account, followed by the magic of Camilo Zúñiga, Jackson Martínez, “Tigre” Falcao and Giovanni Moreno. As it could not be otherwise, “Pibe” Valderrama also left his signature. However, the crowning moment came when Mario Yepes himself converted from the penalty spot, sealing a 5-5 draw that was the finishing touch to an afternoon of celebration.

One of the most moving moments occurred when the entire stadium stood up to give a posthumous ovation to Freddy Rincón. The tribute to the “Colossus of Buenaventura” recalled the indelible mark that the idols of Valle del Cauca have left on the world.

Cali: Ready for the world

Beyond the sporting aspect, the event was a litmus test passed for the district administration. Alexander Camacho, Secretary of Sports, highlighted: “With this we want to tell everyone that we are prepared for events of this nature.”

For her part, the Secretary of Economic Development, Mabel Lara, emphasized the impact on the region: “This is part of the reactivation ecosystem; seeing people from other cities coming to Cali for the ‘Capi’ game is exciting and an engine of international projection.”

The farewell of Mario Alberto Yepes was not just the goodbye of a player; It was the reaffirmation of Cali as a city open to the world, capable of organizing family, orderly and safe events that strengthen the image of Colombia in the eyes of the planet.