Argentina's president Javier Milei has declared a national holiday following the country's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The announcement came hours after Spain lifted the trophy with a 1-0 victory in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, courtesy of a Ferran Torres strike in extra time.
Match and Aftermath
The match descended into chaos after full time, with clashes breaking out between players. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was sent off for kicking and shoving opponents after the final whistle. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, who scored in the semi-finals against England, had already been sent off during the match.
Lionel Messi, likely playing his final World Cup game at age 39, was in tears. This was his third final and second loss, having beaten France in 2022 but losing to Germany in 2014.
Bank Holiday Announcement
President Milei, who did not attend the final citing superstition, announced the holiday on social media. In a post translated from Spanish, he said: "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."
This follows a similar bank holiday after Argentina's 2022 World Cup win, which occurred on the Tuesday after the final when players returned to Buenos Aires for a parade.
Team Future and Rebuilding
Head coach Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in 2022, left his press conference in tears after the final. When asked about his future with his contract expiring in December, he said: "I have to be honest and say that I have to take time and think about the future. Because I'm not sure this can be achieved again."
Scaloni praised Messi, saying: "He is 39 years old, it is unbelievable. It was always crystal clear to me that he would play until he chose to stop and that everyone would support him. I hope everyone is proud of him, because he is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch."
The team faces a rebuild, likely without Messi, who would be 43 by the next World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with matches also in South America for the tournament's 100th anniversary.
Scaloni's Reflections
Scaloni was magnanimous in defeat, attempting to stop his players from fighting Spaniards at full time. He accepted Spain were the better team, stating: "I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there. I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that's the truth. But I'll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it's worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here."
