‘Goosebumps’: Argentina receive heroes’ welcome at home after World Cup loss; celebration goes viral | Watch
Argentina returned home to a hero's welcome after the World Cup final defeat, with fans praising their team at Ezeiza Airport and the Obelisk.
Argentina returned home to a hero's welcome despite their heartbreaking 0-1 World Cup final defeat to Spain. Thousands of supporters braved the cold and rain to greet the squad in Buenos Aires.
Coach Lionel Scaloni led the team off the plane to a red-carpet reception. A military band performed as the players arrived back at Ezeiza International Airport.
Captain Lionel Messi, however, did not return with the main squad on the flight. The Argentine Football Association earlier confirmed that several players would not be on the aircraft. Messi's absence was prominent in the images broadcast on local Argentine television.
Quick answers to key questions
Despite the heartbreaking 0-1 loss, Argentina fans greeted their team with a hero's welcome in Buenos Aires, expressing gratitude rather than disappointment.
Messi’s absence from the main flight back to Argentina was highly publicized and drew attention, highlighting his prominent role and emotional impact on the team and fans.
Videos of Argentina’s fan-filled celebrations went viral as supporters expressed overwhelming love for their team, despite the loss, showcasing unity and national pride.
The current reception was marked by gratitude versus the celebratory atmosphere following their 2022 victory, as fans acknowledged their team’s effort rather than a trophy.
Following the final, Argentina faced criticism for excessive fouling and poor sportsmanship, which overshadowed their performance and sparked discussions about their conduct.
Several Argentine players did not return home immediately after the tournament. These include Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martínez. Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli and Nicolas Paz are also staying abroad.
Others returning to Buenos Aires landed at Ezeiza Airport on Monday evening. They departed New York around 8 AM, Argentina time.
Families arrived earlier, alongside AFA executives, on a separate flight. Coach Lionel Scaloni travelled back with his coaching staff.
Fans gathered at the AFA training complex near the airport, draped in blue-and-white flags. Thousands more flocked to the iconic Obelisk, their traditional rallying point for football celebrations.
The reception stood in contrast to the scenes four years earlier following their 2022 triumph. At that time, millions filled the streets to celebrate their World Cup victory. This time, supporters came to express gratitude rather than to celebrate a trophy.
Fan Marga Ledezma, 36, thanked Messi for the joy he had brought over the years. "Argentinians will celebrate anyway," Al Jazeera quoted her as saying.
She thanked Leo for “all the years” he made people happy and requested that he not retire from international football. On criticism, she said, “I think they criticise us because we know what it’s like to suffer, that we get up, we fall down again, and we keep going.”
Argentina's final was also overshadowed by criticism of their conduct on the pitch. Their performance drew widespread condemnation for excessive fouling and poor sportsmanship throughout.
Many supporters highlighted the semi-final victory over England as the tournament's defining moment. That win carried extra emotional weight given the longstanding Falklands sovereignty dispute between the two nations.
Celebration goes viral
The celebration videos have gone viral on social media. Many users say that they can’t stop watching them.
“My phone battery went from 100 to 10 looking at this,” wrote one of them.
“Bro, I'm thinking about supporting this again without Messi, even. This is total love for football,” posted one fan.
Another wrote, “It gives me goosebumps, so much love for my country, my people, my flag!”
“Great reception...for the fight and the memories,” came from another.
About the Author
Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.
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