Argentina fans in Buenos Aires expressed mixed emotions after their national team lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in extra time on Sunday. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a tense match that saw Argentina reduced to 10 men. Despite the defeat, many supporters gathered at the iconic Obelisco monument to celebrate their team's journey, including a memorable semi-final victory over England.
Fans Seek Consolation in Semi-Final Win
Outside an empanada shop in downtown Buenos Aires, fans struggled to process the result. "Spain scored," said Julián Escalante, 20, a stretcher-bearer, holding up his phone as the news spread. When the final whistle blew, Escalante reminded fellow supporters: "We defeated Los Ingleses [the English], man! And that's what matters." He added that Argentina's team "was a bit all over the place, but it doesn't matter – they gave it everything they had. We made it to the final. We made it to extra time. That's because we've got huevos."
Escalante headed toward the Obelisco, the designated meeting point to celebrate Argentina's efforts. "This is the first time I've felt so proud of my country," he said. "We beat France in the final [in 2022]. We have three World Cups. Messi retired from the Argentina national team as the greatest player in the world."
Tears and Pride at the Obelisco
Cintia Martínez, 28, a housekeeper, could barely hold back tears. "I don't want to speak much, because my son is crying and I will too," she said, holding her four-year-old's hand. Also heading to the Obelisco, she said she was celebrating anyway, "because we made it to the final."
Thousands of fans gathered at the 67-metre-high Obelisco, which was lit up with images of the Argentine squad. Fireworks crackled nearby as a street vendor sold Fernet with coke, shouting: "To wash the anger down!"
International Support and Reflection
Ellen Vicente, 20, a Brazilian medical student wearing an Argentina jersey, said she came out because she respects Argentinians and considers it "an honour" to live in the country. "We are not Argentine, but you played very well, and I'm very proud," she said. Asked about recent racism accusations against Argentinians, she said they're partly substantiated. "I am Black, and it is real, but we can't generalise – this country has welcomed us, and most people treat us well. And Argentina deserved to win."
Emiliano Romero, 18, hung an Argentine banner on the Obelisco's fence reading: "Thank you! You made a people happy. Love is paid with love." He explained: "This is love for our country, something I can't explain. Football is like that – you win, and you lose. But we're proud of the result all the same."
Messi's Legacy Celebrated
Young people sat along the fence of the Obelisco. "We're climbing up here because of the euphoria of the moment, of wanting to be seen, of the love all Argentines have for one another," said Sofía Gómez, 22, a shop assistant. "Those who watched the match knew that, for Leo Messi's last game, it had to be Argentina."
The defeat marked a bittersweet end for Lionel Messi, who played what is likely his last World Cup match. Despite the loss, fans focused on the team's achievements, including their 2022 victory over France and three World Cup titles overall.
