EZEIZA: Thousands of Argentina fans braved cold weather and rain on Monday to welcome home the national football squad after their FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The homecoming was not the celebration many had hoped for after Argentina failed to defend the title they won in 2022, but supporters still filled the streets with songs, fireworks and flags to thank the players.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in Sunday’s final, ending their dream of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
The Argentine Football Association had said earlier that some players would not return on the flight. Captain Lionel Messi was not seen getting off the aircraft in images shown on local television.
Coach Lionel Scaloni and the returning players were welcomed with a red carpet and a military band before boarding a bus and waving to emotional fans.
Many supporters said the team still deserved celebration for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.
“This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that,” said Leonardo Barrientos, 36, who came to welcome the squad.
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Messi wrote on Instagram that “the pain is immense” and said the defeat would take time to heal, but added that he would hold on to the good memories.
President Javier Milei has announced that a future date agreed with the team will be declared a public holiday to celebrate Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
