In downtown Buenos Aires, the mood shifted rapidly as news of the World Cup final result reached fans gathered outside local shops. The championship match, which saw Spain defeat a 10-man Argentina squad 1-0, was decided by a 106th-minute goal from Ferran Torres during extra time. Despite the disappointment of the loss, many supporters chose to focus on the team's journey to the final and their earlier victory over England.
Julián Escalante, a 20-year-old stretcher-bearer, expressed pride in the team's performance, noting that while the squad appeared disorganized at times, their effort remained undeniable. “We defeated Los Ingleses, man! And that’s what matters,” Escalante said, emphasizing the team's grit. He added that the team's legacy, including their 2022 victory over France and their three World Cup titles, remained a source of national pride, even as Lionel Messi concluded his international career.
Thousands of fans made their way to the iconic 67-metre-high Obelisco, which served as the designated gathering point for supporters. The monument was illuminated with images of the national team while fireworks echoed in the background. One street vendor sold Fernet and coke, joking that it was needed to “wash the anger down.”
Among those at the monument was 28-year-old housekeeper Cintia Martínez, who attended with her four-year-old son. She noted that she was there to celebrate the fact that the team reached the final. Similarly, 18-year-old Emiliano Romero hung a banner on the Obelisco’s fence that read, “Thank you! You made a people happy. Love is paid with love.” He described the feeling as an unexplainable love for the country, acknowledging that football involves both winning and losing.
The crowd included international supporters as well. Ellen Vicente, a 20-year-old Brazilian medical student living in Argentina, wore an Argentina jersey to the event. She stated that she considers it an honor to live in the country and felt the team played well enough to deserve a win. Addressing recent racism accusations against Argentinians, she acknowledged the reality of the issue but emphasized that most people have treated her well, noting that the country has welcomed her.
As the evening progressed, fans climbed the monument's fence to join the celebration. “We’re climbing up here because of the euphoria of the moment, of wanting to be seen, of the love all Argentines have for one another,” said 22-year-old shop assistant Sofía Gómez, reflecting on the significance of what many viewed as Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
