Argentina's football team returns home to thousands of fans after World Cup final loss

Thousands of Argentinians braved cold and rain to welcome their national football team home, even after their World Cup final loss to Spain. The team returned without iconic captain Lionel Messi and several other players, a stark contrast to the celebrations after their 2022 victory.

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Argentinians will celebrate anyway. Thank you to Messi, and that he gave it his all.

Coach Lionel Scaloni and the remaining squad members were greeted with a red carpet and a military band. Fans, draped in flags and holding blue-and-white umbrellas, expressed gratitude for the team's efforts and for uniting the nation. "Argentinians will celebrate anyway," said Marga Ledezma, 36, who thanked Messi for "all the years he made us happy."

Despite the 1-0 defeat to Spain, which was criticized for fouls and poor sportsmanship from Argentina, many fans highlighted the semifinal win over England as a significant achievement. Leonardo Barrientos, 36, stated, "This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine."

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This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine. I would say thank you to Messi, and that he gave it his all.

While the mood was crestfallen after the loss, thousands gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires to party and express their gratitude. Fireworks lit up the night sky, but brief clashes with police later broke out, resulting in fifteen detentions.

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Spain deserved the win, but I am happy for what the team gave us.