Phone theft, clashes mar Argentina's World Cup qualifying celebrations at Obelisco

Thousands gathered at Buenos Aires' iconic Obelisco to celebrate Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. However, the jubilant atmosphere was disrupted by moments of tension, including a cell phone theft and subsequent police intervention, leading to at least 11 arrests for disturbances and incidents.

Viral social media footage captured the moment a suspected thief was escorted by police. Simultaneously, enraged fans hurled cups and bottles at the individual, chanting insults. Sources confirmed that amid the celebrations in the city center, at least 11 arrests were made. Despite these isolated incidents, the crowd continued to grow, with thousands arriving throughout the afternoon, clad in team jerseys and waving flags.

As night fell, police presence intensified as the main group of revelers began to disperse. Reports indicate that at least three of those arrested sustained injuries during confrontations with police. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by fans mirrored the match itself. The mood at the Plaza Seeber Fan Fest, where thousands watched the game on a giant screen, shifted dramatically when Egypt took an early lead.

The initial despair deepened after Egypt scored a second goal, leaving the plaza in near silence as many fans resigned themselves to an apparent elimination. "It was very desperate. I didn't want them to score. And when Messi missed the penalty, I felt like crying," recounted 22-year-old Luca Monzón, who attended the Fan Fest with his family. Sixty-year-old retiree Inés Umfuhrer described the first half, where Argentina trailed, as "heart-stopping," yet she maintained faith in a comeback, which began with Argentina's first goal, reigniting the crowd's hope.