Key Takeaways
- Thousands of Argentinian fans gathered to welcome the football team back from the World Cup.
- Lionel Messi, the star player, was not present for the homecoming due to his absence in the final match.
- Despite losing the final, supporters celebrated Argentina’s semi-final victory over England.
BUENOS AIRES: Thousands of Argentinian fans braved the cold and rain on Monday to welcome the football team back from the World Cup. The Argentine squad returned home without star player Lionel Messi, who was not present in the final match against Spain that ended in a 1-0 loss.
The homecoming did not meet the expectations of many Argentinians, who had celebrated their team’s victory in the 2022 World Cup. However, the streets were filled with joy as fans danced, sang, and set off fireworks to thank the players for their efforts.
Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were welcomed with a red carpet outside the aircraft, where they were greeted by a military band. They then boarded a bus that was met with frenzied fan support along its route through the city.
Housewife Marga Ledezma expressed gratitude towards Messi for 'all the years he made us happy,' urging him not to quit playing for Argentina despite his 39 years of age. She acknowledged, however, that this might be difficult given his advanced age.
Despite the loss in the final, many fans highlighted the team’s victory over England in the semi-final as a significant achievement. The match was played against the backdrop of a lingering dispute between the countries over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, with some supporters carrying flags declaring 'The Falklands are Argentine.'
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez insisted that Argentina represented themselves in the 'best possible way' at the World Cup despite his red card in the final and a series of controversial incidents during their run to the final. He was sent off for a second booking after clattering into Spain’s Pau Cubarsi in the closing stages of normal time.
The Argentine team faced criticism from international media for a plethora of fouls and displays of poor sportsmanship, particularly after players held up a banner bearing the phrase 'The Falklands are Argentine' following their win against England. FIFA is currently investigating potential disciplinary breaches related to these incidents.
I think they criticise us because we know what it’s like to suffer, that we get up, we fall down again, and we keep going.
Marga Ledezma, Housewife
This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine.
Marga Ledezma, Housewife
