Albiceleste greeted by joyful chaos after World Cup loss in Buenos Aires

Argentina’s World Cup squad landed in Buenos Aires on Monday to a rapturous welcome from thousands of fans braving rain and cold, just days after losing 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final on July 19. Though the result fell short of a second straight title, Argentines danced, sang and set off fireworks to cheer the players on.

Captain Lionel Messi was notably absent. The AFA had earlier said some squad members wouldn’t be on the flight, and Messi reportedly flew straight to his hometown of Rosario to see his family. The rest of the team stepped onto a red carpet under a military band’s salute before boarding a bus waving to frenzied fans.

What went wrong in a final that stunned a nation?

The match was marred by controversy. Spain’s winner came in the 78th minute after a scrappy play, and referee issued 14 yellow cards - five to Argentina - for heavy challenges and constant protests. International media slammed the dirty play from both sides, but Argentines pointed to their real victory: the 2-1 semifinal win over England, a game steeped in symbolism over the Malvinas/Falklands dispute.

Messi posted on Instagram: “The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal. Today it’s hard to appreciate what we achieved - this squad reached two consecutive World Cup finals.” The 39-year-old hinted his time with the national team may be ending, though fans urged him to keep playing.

Why the country celebrated despite falling short

The loss didn’t dampen the mood. “This team united us all. Thank you, Messi, for all the years you made us happy”, said Marga Ledezma, a 36-year-old homemaker. Leonardo Barrientos, a 36-year-old textile worker, put it simply: “The pain is shared. They gave us identity.”

On Sunday night, thousands gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires to party for hours until isolated clashes led to police dispersing crowds with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets. Fifteen people were detained, but the celebration rolled on long after the final whistle.

What’s next for the Albiceleste after the World Cup?

With the tournament over, President Javier Milei announced a future public holiday to honor the team, though no date has been set. The players, meanwhile, aren’t planning big celebrations: coach Lionel Scaloni already said the squad will take a break before returning to training.

All eyes are now on Messi’s future. “I know it’s tough, but I hope he keeps going”, said María Ortiz, a 28-year-old fan who arrived at the airport with her two-year-old son. The team closed its World Cup 2026 run with four wins in its last five matches (LWWWW), but the sting of the final loss lingers across the country.