‘Goosebumps’: Argentina get hero’s welcome home after World Cup loss; celebration goes viral | Follow | Today’s news
Argentina returned home to a hero’s welcome despite a heartbreaking 0-1 World Cup final defeat to Spain. Thousands of supporters braved the cold and rain to welcome the squad to Buenos Aires.
Coach Lionel Scaloni led the team from the plane to a red carpet reception. A military band performed as the players arrived back at Ezeiza International Airport.
However, captain Lionel Messi did not return with the first team on the flight. The Argentine Football Association previously confirmed that several players would not be on the plane. Messi’s absence was conspicuous in images broadcast by local Argentine television.
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Despite a heartbreaking 0-1 loss, Argentina fans gave their team a hero’s welcome in Buenos Aires, expressing gratitude rather than disappointment.
Messi’s absence from the main flight back to Argentina was highly publicized and attracted attention, highlighting his significant role and emotional impact on the team and fans.
Video footage of Argentina’s fan-filled celebrations went viral as their supporters showed overwhelming love for their team despite the loss, showing unity and national pride.
The current reception was marked by gratitude versus a celebratory atmosphere following their 2022 victory, as fans recognized their team’s effort rather than the trophy.
After the final, Argentina faced criticism for excessive fouling and poor sportsmanship, which overshadowed their performance and sparked debate about their conduct.
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Several Argentine players did not return home immediately after the tournament. These include Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martínez. Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli and Nicolas Paz also remain abroad.
Others returning to Buenos Aires landed at Ezeiza airport on Monday night. They left New York around 8:00 a.m. Argentina time.
The families arrived earlier, along with AFA executives, on a separate flight. Coach Lionel Scaloni traveled back with his coaching staff.
The fans gathered at the AFA training complex near the airport draped in blue and white flags. Thousands more flocked to the iconic obelisk, their traditional gathering place for football celebrations.
The reception contrasted with the scenes four years earlier following their triumph in 2022. At the time, millions filled the streets to celebrate a World Cup victory. This time, the supporters came to express their gratitude rather than to celebrate the trophy.
Fan Marga Ledezma (36) thanked Messi for the joy he brought over the years. “Argentinians will celebrate anyway,” Al Jazeera quoted her as saying.
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She thanked Leo for “all the years” of making people happy and asked that he not retire from international football. Of the criticism, she said: “I think they criticize us because we know what it’s like to suffer, to get up and fall again and keep going.”
Argentina’s final was also overshadowed by criticism of their behavior on the pitch. Their performance drew widespread condemnation for excessive pollution and poor sportsmanship.
Many fans highlighted the semi-final victory over England as the defining moment of the tournament. The victory carried particular emotional weight given the long-standing dispute over sovereignty of the Falklands between the two nations.
The celebration goes viral
Videos from the celebrations went viral on social networks. Many users say they can’t stop watching them.
“My phone battery went from 100 to 10 watching this,” wrote one.
“Bro, I’m thinking of supporting it again without Messi. This is pure football love,” wrote one fan.
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Another wrote: “Gives me goosebumps, so much love for my country, my people, my flag!”
“Great reception…for the fight and the memories,” chimed in another.
