Thousands of Argentine football fans gathered in Buenos Aires to welcome the national team home following their heartbreaking 0-1 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Despite the defeat, supporters braved the cold and rain to greet the squad in Buenos Aires, emphasizing gratitude rather than disappointment. The team was welcomed by fans lining the streets as they travelled from Ezeiza International Airport to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters.
Lionel Scaloni leads the squad from Ezeiza International Airport to the Obelisk
A Hero’s Welcome at the Obelisk and Airport
The mood in Buenos Aires shifted from the tension of the match to a display of national pride. Coach Lionel Scaloni led the team off the plane to a red-carpet reception, where a military band performed as the players arrived back at Ezeiza International Airport on Monday evening. While the atmosphere lacked the celebratory nature of the 2022 World Cup victory, when millions filled the streets, supporters this time came to express gratitude rather than to celebrate a trophy. At the city’s traditional rallying point, the Obelisk, the crowd that had gathered hours before kick-off initially stood in stunned silence before breaking into songs in tribute to the team. The scene evolved into a vibrant display of support with drums, car horns, fireworks, and firecrackers echoing around the plaza.
Rodrigo De Paul and other key players skip the return flight to Argentina
The Absence of Lionel Messi and Key Players
The return flight to Argentina was marked by the notable absence of Captain Lionel Messi. The Argentine Football Association earlier confirmed that several players would not be on the aircraft. Other players, including Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Lautaro Martínez, did not return home immediately after the tournament. Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, and Nicolas Paz also remained abroad. Families of the players arrived earlier on a separate flight, alongside AFA executives, while Coach Lionel Scaloni travelled back with his coaching staff. The squad had departed New York around 8 AM, Argentina time, before landing in Buenos Aires.
President Javier Milei and Rosario fans honor the team after the England victory
Presidential and Public Sentiment
President Javier Milei acknowledged the team’s effort on X, writing: Thank you very much, players! You fought until the very end. Argentina always at the top.
Public sentiment remained focused on appreciation for the squad’s efforts. Fan Marga Ledezma, 36, told Al Jazeera, Argentinians will celebrate anyway.
She thanked Leo for “all the years” he made people happy and requested that he not retire from international football. Regarding criticism of the team, she added, I think they criticise us because we know what it’s like to suffer, that we get up, we fall down again, and we keep going.
For more on this story, see Dana White Criticizes 2026 World Cup Production After Broadcast Blunders.
We've already won a World Cup. We shouldn't just cry, we should celebrate. Messi already took us to the top of the world,
said Sergio Irrazábal, who attended a gathering in Rosario with his family. In that city, hundreds gathered at the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera to honor the team, with the monument illuminated in Argentina’s national colours. For many, the tournament was defined by the semi-final victory over England. That win carried extra emotional weight due to the longstanding Falklands sovereignty dispute between the two nations and memories of Diego Maradona’s 1986 performance. As 20-year-old student Luciano Ortega noted, A lot of people were already satisfied with beating England and, despite losing to Spain, we beat everyone else. In a way, it can still be considered a victory because Argentina proved again it belongs among the world's best.
Critics condemn the squad for poor sportsmanship during the tournament
Criticism and Conduct Concerns
While the homecoming was marked by viral videos of fan celebrations, the tournament concluded under a cloud of criticism regarding the team’s behavior. The squad faced widespread condemnation for excessive fouling and poor sportsmanship throughout the competition, an issue that sparked discussions about their conduct. Despite these controversies, the fans who gathered at the Obelisk and the AFA training complex remained focused on their support for the squad. As one fan posted online, Bro, I'm thinking about supporting this again without Messi, even. This is total love for football.
Sources: aljazeera.com, livemint.com.
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