Argentina's president, Javier Milei, has announced that the nation will have a public holiday when Lionel Messi and the squad return from the World Cup, following their defeat to Spain in the final. The match ended in ugly scenes as some Argentina players threw punches at the victors after the full-time whistle.
Defeat and Ugly Scenes
Ferran Torres' goal in extra time separated the teams, but Argentina failed to register a shot on target. The match was marred by fouls, a red card for Enzo Fernandez, and unsavoury confrontations at the final whistle. Despite this, Milei chose to celebrate the team's achievement of reaching a second consecutive final, following their 2022 triumph.
President's Announcement
"Thank you so much, players!!! All the way to the end, with our boots on. Argentina, always on top," Milei posted on social media. "WORLD CELEBRATION. Given the concerns about the celebrations for the achievement of the Argentine National Team, I inform the public that, depending on what the players and coaching staff decide regarding the day to celebrate, it will be declared a national holiday."
Milei acknowledged the difficult time for the squad but emphasized the magnitude of their accomplishment. "The lessons this group has learned are enormous," he said on Radio Mitre. "This must be a very difficult time for the players and coaching staff, but when the initial excitement dies down, they'll realise the magnitude of what they've accomplished."
Return Plans
Not all players will return to Buenos Aires; many plan to head directly on holiday from the United States or rejoin their clubs. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) stated: "After the final, some players from the squad will depart directly from the United States to different destinations to rejoin their clubs or begin their rest period. Meanwhile, part of the delegation, made up of players, coaching staff, and other personnel, will return to Argentina tomorrow, with an expected arrival around 5 PM."
Scaloni's Future
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni struggled to hold back tears after the match. His contract expires at the end of the year. "I will talk to the president," he said. "I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract and I feel the need, I don't know if something as big can be done. We need to speak this through. I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream place for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our utmost, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."
