June 22, 2026 at – 12:40
The words in Guaraní that moved thousands of Paraguayans during the farewell of the national team heading to the World Cup were born from the inspiration and feeling of Isabel Portillo Mereles. The Guaraní language and culture teacher explained how the viral message emerged and highlighted the importance of keeping the Paraguayan identity alive through the language.
Days ago, the farewell to the Paraguayan soccer team in it Silvio Pettirossi International Airport It was marked by a massive show of support from fans. Among songs, flags and messages of encouragement, a dedication in Guaraní managed to stand out and quickly went viral on social networks.
The author of those words was Isabel Portillo Mereles, poet and teacher of Guaraní language and culture and sales executive of a tourism company. His words were part of the emotional message from the Dinac air traffic controllers to the Albirroja.
Read more: The emotional audio of the control tower saying goodbye to the Albirroja heading to the World Cup
According to him, the text came at the request of a friend’s daughter, but it ended up also incorporating his own emotions and feelings towards the national team.
A message that was born from the heart
Isabel told ABC TV that it was not a simple translation of an existing text, but rather her own creation inspired by the original message and the pride she feels for the country.
“I put it according to the text they had, but I also put my feelings, my words“He explained. He added that one of the expressions that generated the most impact was the one in which he conveyed to the footballers that an entire town trusted them.
The teacher pointed out that she also wanted to remind the players that they represent much more than a soccer team, since they carry with them the Paraguayan flag and the strength of the call. “Guarani claw”.
“Guarani is an embrace of identity”
After the impact achieved by the message, Isabel took the opportunity to deepen the meaning that the Guaraní language has for Paraguayans.
“More than just being a communication channel, it is like a hug of identity, wherever we are”, he stated.
For her, language constitutes a link that unites compatriots inside and outside the country, and a fundamental tool to keep cultural roots alive. He assured that this vision is also what he tries to convey in the classes he teaches on Guaraní language and culture.
A passion that is also reflected in his family
Isabel’s love for the Guaraní language transcends the academic field. As proof of this, his three children have names inspired by Guaraní words.
He said that his eldest daughter is named Luana “Saite”which she interprets as “indomitable,” although it is traditionally related to meanings such as surly or wild. Their second son is called Sunu, which means “thunder,” while the youngest is named León Genaro.Save’ỹ”, which can be interpreted as “free” or “without ties.”
Read more: He reported an odyssey in Identifications for an ID with a name in Guaraní for his son
The teacher considers that these decisions are part of a way of life based on respect and appreciation of Paraguayan culture.
The Guarani language as a symbol of the Paraguayan claw
In a context of enthusiasm for Paraguay’s return to a World Cup, Isabel believes that the Guaraní language can play as important a role as any national symbol.
His message to the members of Albirroja about representing the country also implies proudly wearing the language inherited from previous generations.
For her, the true Guarani spirit is not only expressed in the effort on the field, but also in the ability to preserve and value the Paraguayan cultural identity before the world.
