At least 15 people have been detained by police in Buenos Aires after rioting broke out following Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday night. Thousands had gathered in the Argentine capital to watch the match, hoping to see Lionel Messi retain the trophy, but were left bitterly disappointed after a tense game decided in extra time.
Match Details and Trigger
Enzo Fernandez was sent off earlier in the game, giving Spain the advantage. Ferran Torres scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 win for Spain. At full-time, clashes broke out between players, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes sent off for shoving and lashing out at Spain's Eric Garcia. The match was held in New Jersey, but the fallout reverberated in Buenos Aires.
Riots Erupt in Buenos Aires
According to Argentine newspaper Infobae, the gathering in Buenos Aires, a city of 3 million people, had been largely peaceful until around 11:45 p.m. local time, when riots broke out between police and fans. Clashes were seen around the Obelisk, a national monument where important occasions are celebrated, after a group of supporters attempted to breach fencing designed to protect it.
Chaos reigned for 20 minutes as a 'large group' of fans hurled glass bottles and other projectiles at police. Officers responded with tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the irate crowds, Infobae added. At least 15 people were detained, and several were injured, though their conditions remain unknown.
Violence and Aftermath
Images published worldwide show debris littering the capital's streets. One photograph appears to show a police officer kicking a supporter on the ground. The violence marked a sharp contrast to the earlier peaceful atmosphere.
National Holiday Announced
Despite the loss, Argentinians will enjoy a national holiday. President Javier Milei announced the move hours after Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, but said the date of the celebration would be decided by the players and coaches. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) in Spanish, Milei wrote: '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.'
Argentinians enjoyed a bank holiday after winning the 2022 World Cup, which occurred on the Tuesday after the final when players returned to Buenos Aires for a parade centered around the Obelisk.
