Thousands of fans gathered in Buenos Aires on Monday to welcome home the Argentine national football team following their loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The team returned without star captain Lionel Messi, who was among several players not on the flight back, according to the Argentine Football Association. Messi was not seen disembarking from the plane, which was greeted by a red carpet and a military band. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the squad later waved to supporters from a bus as they traveled through the city.
Despite the disappointment of losing 1-0 in the final match, many Argentines expressed pride in the team’s performance throughout the tournament. The squad reached consecutive World Cup finals for the first time in recent memory, a feat highlighted by Messi himself in an Instagram post, where he described the pain of defeat as immense but called attention to the positive memories and accomplishments.
The semifinal victory over England drew significant attention both nationally and internationally, coming against a backdrop of historical tensions between the two countries regarding the Falkland Islands. Some fans displayed flags with slogans asserting Argentine sovereignty over the islands, and the Argentine team came under investigation by FIFA after players showed a banner with the same message following their win over England, prompting criticism from the United Kingdom.
While the public celebration reflected gratitude and unity, the atmosphere later turned tense at the Obelisk, a traditional rally point in Buenos Aires. Authorities reported clashes late Sunday night with some revellers detained after confronting police who used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Among those present at the airport and public gatherings were supporters like Marga Ledezma, who thanked Messi for his years of dedication and hoped he would continue to play despite his advancing age of 39. Others, such as textile worker Leonardo Barrientos and mother Maria Ortiz, expressed appreciation for the team’s effort and sportsmanship, acknowledging Spain's victory but underscoring the unity the Argentine team inspired at home.
Following the tournament’s conclusion, President Javier Milei announced that the government would designate a public holiday at a future date to honor the team’s World Cup campaign, though specific details have yet to be released. The return of the team capped a World Cup event marked both by passionate support and moments of controversy, highlighting the enduring significance of football in Argentina’s national identity.