Hundreds of Argentines poured into the sunny streets of Buenos Aires on Sunday, cheering after a nail-biting victory over France on penalties in the World Cup final saw the South American become world champions for the first time since 1986.
In a tense and roller-coaster match played in Qatar in front of nearly 88,000 fans, Argentina, led by star Lionel Messi, won their third World Cup by defeating defending champions France 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw. after overtime.
“I can’t believe it! It was difficult, but we did it, thanks to Messi,” 13-year-old Santiago celebrated the victory with his family in front of the Buenos Aires home of late football icon Diego Maradona. Was. Who led the team in 1986.
Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup by the Obelisco. , photo credit: Reuters
Wearing flags, caps and the country’s iconic blue and white jerseys, Argentines took over downtown Buenos Aires and other iconic locations within minutes of the victory. Across the country, other celebrations broke out.
“It was an incredible game, painful at times,” said 46-year-old Diego Abargili, who cheered on the national side from the suburbs of Buenos Aires. “This team made people crazy for the first time in decades.”
The South American team, which lost the final of the tournament against Germany in 2014, had not won the World Cup since 1986. About 40% of the population has been pushed into poverty.
Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup. , photo credit: Reuters
Rogelio Vazquez, an Argentine fan, said, “We could have won it comfortably, but we were forced to suffer as usual.” “But suffering makes victory more pleasant.”
After extra time both teams were nervous when they went for penalty kicks. Messi scored easily for Argentina, followed by a goal from Kylian Mbappe of France. Two more goals from Argentina and two missed shots from France meant that the next goal would end the game.
Some Argentinians hung their heads, others prayed.
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Lionel Messi became the first man in World Cup history to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
A final penalty kick from Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel resulted in the ball going neatly into the net.
Incredulous Argentinians erupted in joy as the team won, shouting, jumping and spraying their drinks in the air. Some, hugging friends and family, were also brought to tears.
“Dibu (Martinez), Messi, the whole team, I love them,” said Jonathan Heredia, his voice hoarse with excitement. “I feel like they made me cry, I wanted it more than anything.”
‘sheer joy’
Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup by the Obelisco. , photo credit: Reuters
Huge crowds surrounded the obelisco monument in the center of Buenos Aires, as they did after the semi-final victory over Croatia. Other fans leaned against the cars waving flags and jerseys as they raced through the streets.
Argentina fans celebrate after a great win in Buenos Aires
Excited Argentina fans celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires after Lionel Messi won the Qatar 2022 World Cup for Argentina, scoring twice in one of the all-time great finals against France. The South American players won in the penalty shootout. Video credit: AFP
“It’s a great pleasure after so much stress,” 46-year-old lawyer Nicolas Pirie told Reuters.
“The cohesion between the team, led by a leader who plays at a level that makes him the best in the world, and the condition of the players in general has led us to this well-deserved success. Let’s go Argentina!” she added.
Argentina fans celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires after winning the World Cup Photo Credit: Reuters
Messi, 35, scored in the first half and then in extra time, while Angel Di Maria scored the other goal for Argentina. Mbappe, 23, scored all three of France’s goals before the shootout.
The final victory cements Messi’s status as a legend among Argentines, with Sunday’s match expected to be his final World Cup appearance for his country.
Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup with a flag of Argentina’s Lionel Messi and a picture of Diego Maradona. , photo credit: Reuters