After their plane landed in the early hours of Tuesday, hundreds of thousands—or, according to some estimates, millions—of ecstatic Argentines poured onto the streets of Buenos Aires to show their support for the nation’s World Cup-winning football team, led by Lionel Messi.
After 36 years since the country’s last World Cup victory, thousands of people were waiting at Ezeiza airport in the early hours with banners, flags, and flares, even though it was around 3 a.m.
By midday, hundreds of thousands of people had gathered in downtown Buenos Aires, and major roads had been closed for the parade. Individuals held up flags of Messi and late symbol Diego Maradona played instruments, or climbed light posts or transport stops.
Matias Gomez, a 25-year-old metalworker, stated, “It’s crazy, it’s incredible, and it’s the best thing that can happen to you in life.”
“To see all of these happy people together, hugging and kissing one another, holding hands, is an enormous joy. Today, we are all one.
Since the dramatic victory over France in Sunday’s final in Qatar, the Argentine capital has been having a party. This has helped hide the economic problems in the South American nation, which is fighting one of the highest inflation rates in the world.
The country became world champions for the first time since Diego Maradona lifted the trophy in 1986 and for the third time overall with the victory in a penalty shootout following a whipsaw game. Tuesday was declared a national holiday by the government so that fans could celebrate the victory.
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After spending a few hours at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) facilities near the airport, the players boarded a bus with three stars and the words “World Champions” to commemorate the country’s three trophies.
Fans gathered around the bus as the players danced and received cheers. People were being held back by the police so that the vehicle could continue on its sluggish journey toward the center of town.
Messi, 35, who has established himself as one of the best players in the world, posted a message on Instagram earlier that read, “Good morning!” alongside the golden trophy, a picture of him sleeping in his room at the AFA complex.
Even though he intends to play a few more games for Argentina, Messi has stated that the World Cup final, in which Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time, will be his final match.
In the summertime of the southern hemisphere, it sometimes felt like the entire nation was having a party all night from Sunday on, with cars frequently honking their horns in celebration.
“There are individuals lying on the floor who came directly from the last party to get up and continue to party,” said Elio Maisares, 25, as he celebrated in the city where everybody and everything was shrouded in the white-and-blue of the “Albiceleste”.
Just take a look at everything that has been painted a light blue and white color. He stated, “Everyone is rooting for Argentina along the roads and highways.”
It’s really impressive, one-of-a-kind, and what a way to weep. It’s incredible! I cried this morning, yesterday, and the day before yesterday. I can’t cry anymore!
