Without Messi but with Love: Argentina's National Team Returns Home After Final Defeat
Thousands of fans braved cold and rain to welcome Argentina's football team back home after losing the World Cup final to Spain, though Lionel Messi was notably absent. The team received a red-carpet welcome, while fans celebrated in the streets, highlighting the semifinal victory over England.
On Monday evening, Buenos Aires witnessed an outpouring of emotion as thousands of Argentinians, undeterred by rain and cold, lined the streets to greet their national football team returning from the World Cup. Despite a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final, fans sang, danced, and set off fireworks to show their gratitude for the team's efforts.
Notably missing from the group was legendary captain Lionel Messi, who did not disembark with the squad. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the players were greeted with a red carpet and a military orchestra before boarding a bus, waving to ecstatic supporters.
While the final defeat stung, many fans focused on the 2-1 semifinal victory over England, set against the backdrop of the long-standing Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute. Some carried flags reading "The Falklands are Argentine." This action has triggered a FIFA investigation after players raised a banner with the phrase following the England match, drawing sharp criticism from London.
Messi wrote on Instagram that the pain is immense and the wound will take time to heal, but he will also keep the good memories. President Javier Milei announced that a national holiday would be declared to honor the team's World Cup performance, though details are pending.
On Sunday night, brief clashes erupted near the Obelisk, with police using water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Fifteen people were detained. Overall, fans remained grateful, with one supporter saying, "This team united us all."
