‘Thank you India!’: Argentina envoy thanks Indian fans after World Cup heartbreak

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10), center and teammates (AP/PTI) Argentina’s Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino has expressed his sincere gratitude to Indian football fans for their unwavering support during the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final. Caucino acknowledged the huge support the Albiceleste have received from supporters across India, where Lionel Messi and the national team continue to enjoy one of the world’s largest fan bases outside of South America, after the X tournament.

Argentina’s envoy thanks Indian fans

“I am deeply grateful to the people of India for their endless show of support for the Argentina team during this last World Cup. Thank you again, India!” wrote Caucino. Arriving at the tournament as defending world champions, Argentina have reached their second FIFA World Cup final, hoping to become the first nation in 64 years to successfully retain the title. However, that dream ended at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain won 1-0 in extra time to lift their second World Cup trophy and first since 2010. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after being set up by Nico Williams to seal the title for Spain after a close encounter. Luis de la Fuente was in control for most of the match and created the better chances, but Argentina stayed in contention mainly thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making a number of important saves. The defending champions suffered another setback deep into second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card following a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, reducing Argentina to 10 men before extra time. Spain briefly thought they had gone ahead through Nico Williams early in extra time, but his effort was disallowed for a foul in the set-piece. Moments later, Williams headed the ball into the path of Torres, who fired home the winner. The triumph also extended Spain’s unbeaten international run to a European record 38 matches, while ending Argentina’s bid to become the first team since 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. Although Argentina fell short in the final, their journey once again captivated fans around the world, particularly in India, where the team’s popularity has grown significantly since Messi led the nation to World Cup glory in 2022. Caucin’s message acknowledged this enduring connection and thanked the Indian fans for standing by Argentina throughout the tournament despite the disappointment of the defending champions finishing second.