▲ Argentine citizens gather in downtown Buenos Aires to celebrate despite the loss in the World Cup final
As the final whistle blew, the anthem of the Argentine national football team rang out powerfully across Buenos Aires.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was held in New York and New Jersey, United States, on July 19 (local time).
It was the moment the team stopped at the threshold of victory, falling 0-1 to Spain after a grueling extra-time match.
Although Argentina fell just short of a second consecutive World Cup title, the streets of Buenos Aires did not fall silent. Citizens wearing national team jerseys and carrying flags poured into the streets, honking car horns, while people embraced one another and sang the team anthem at the top of their lungs to express their gratitude.
As they walked toward the Obelisco as if a victory parade were taking place, the expressions on the citizens' faces were no different from those seen during the 2022 Qatar World Cup victory.
Throughout the city, citizens in national team jerseys walked with their families and friends toward plazas and parks.
Videos of citizens gathering in plazas and parks across Argentina—not only in Buenos Aires but also in Rosario, Cordoba, Mendoza, and Salta—to sing the team anthem were posted one after another on television and social media.
It was not a gathering to console a defeat.
It was a march to express gratitude to captain Lionel Messi and the national team, who have played for their country in the light blue and white jersey for 20 years.
They said in unison, "We lost today's match, but Messi already gave us happiness we will never forget for the rest of our lives with the 2022 Qatar World Cup victory. We did not come out to mourn the runner-up finish, but to say thank you to the national team."
One citizen said, "Messi and the national team won a great victory against England in the semifinals. We are truly proud of that alone."
Another citizen remarked, "Messi has given everything for the national team for 20 years. Gratitude is all we can offer such a player."
Just before this World Cup, Messi's participation was uncertain due to a hamstring injury.
The public, who thought the 2022 Qatar World Cup would be his final stage, were happy just to be able to experience another World Cup with Messi.
Messi recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in this tournament, leading Argentina back to the final stage.
The dramatic goals scored in the final minutes of matches, from the game against Cape Verde to the semifinal against England, will remain as another iconic World Cup moment for countless citizens.
Although they could not overcome Spain's solid defense in the final, the people thought of the past 20 years before the 120 minutes of the final match.
Argentines reflect that it was the "time of Messi," who shed countless tears as team captain, fell, got back up, and finally led the team to a World Cup victory.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the national team, said during the post-match press conference, "It will be difficult to meet a team like this again. I am sorry," before he was unable to continue the interview due to tears.
It was a statement filled with regret for not being able to show the incredible comeback victories they had displayed up until the semifinals.
Spain may have lifted the trophy, but what the Argentine people celebrated that day was not the win or loss.
It was their gratitude toward captain Lionel Messi, who gave everything for the national team for 20 years, and the Argentine national team that never gave up until the end.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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