Chaos erupted in Buenos Aires on Sunday night as furious Argentina supporters turned violent after their team's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain, pelting riot police with rocks and bottles in scenes of ugly disorder. Thousands of fans poured onto the streets and converged on the iconic Obelisk monument in central Buenos Aires, initially gathering in support of the national team.
Clashes erupt as police move in
What began as a night of shared disappointment quickly descended into clashes as fights broke out. Riot police moved in, only to face a barrage of projectiles from the angry crowd. Officers responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon to disperse the mob. At least 15 people were arrested and dozens injured. Shocking images captured one supporter being kicked in the head by a police officer amid the melee, while others showed police striking fans as they battled to regain control around the landmark.
Tensions on the pitch mirror street violence
The street violence mirrored tensions on the pitch. After the final whistle in New Jersey, some Argentine players were seen punching, kicking, and grabbing at their Spanish opponents in a display of frustration following a match in which they were outclassed. During the trophy presentation, the South American side then turned their backs on the victorious Spaniards.
Argentina has found itself mired in controversy during previous fixtures – for example, Valentin Barco incurred the wrath of England midfielder Jude Bellingham after running on to the pitch to celebrate his country's winning goal despite only being a substitute.
President Milei announces national holiday despite loss
Despite the loss and the disorder at home, Argentina’s president Javier Milei announced a national holiday for the team. The libertarian leader, who skipped the final due to superstition, said he would leave the date to the players and technical staff. He wrote on X: “WORLD CELEBRATION. Given the concern about the celebrations for the achievement reached by the Argentine National Team, I inform the population that, depending on what the Players and the Technical Staff decide regarding the day to celebrate, it will be declared a national holiday.”
Spain prepares hero's welcome
The move echoes Argentina’s response to their 2022 World Cup triumph over France, when a bank holiday was declared and millions lined the streets for the players’ victory parade in Buenos Aires. In contrast, Spain has not declared a public holiday but is preparing a hero’s welcome. The squad returns to Madrid on Monday, where they will be received by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before parading through the city centre on an open-top bus from near the Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square. Sánchez hailed the victory on social media: “WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! Thanks, team.”
End of Argentina's reign
The final at MetLife Stadium saw Spain lift the trophy for the first time since 2010, ending Argentina’s reign as defending champions. While the result sparked heartbreak and recriminations at home, the post-match disorder highlighted deeper frustrations among sections of the fanbase after a tournament that raised expectations of back-to-back glory.
