The hopes of Argentine fans in Buenos Aires for an epic comeback led by Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup were dashed after the team lost to Spain with a score of 1-0. The atmosphere of nervous excitement and loud cheers turned into mournful groans, tension, and tears.
Fan Reaction in Buenos Aires
At the Cafe Relax bar in the historic center of Buenos Aires, fans expressed deep sadness, crying after the final whistle, believing this was likely 39-year-old Messi's last chance to participate in the World Cup. One visitor, 22-year-old architecture student Camilo Chichero, shared his feelings: 'I feel emptiness. Emptiness because of Messi, because I won't see him in the World Cup anymore. This is the last one.' His friend Juan Saenz, a 22-year-old law student, added that it was the end of the Messi era, as he was born while Messi was playing.
Further Fan Reaction
Despite the defeat, not everyone was in tears. Fireworks lit up the city, car horns sounded, and thousands of fans headed to the famous Obelisk, a traditional site for football celebrations. Initially disappointed, they soon began celebrating their team, and many stated that despite the loss, they would take to the streets on Monday to meet the team.
President Javier Milei wrote on X, thanking the players: 'Thank you very much, players! You fought until the end. Argentina will always stand proud.'
Before the match, Argentinians, dressed in national uniforms and flags, arrived at bars and public squares in New Jersey on a cold day, full of excitement.
Match Progression and Tension
At the Cafe Relax bar, where a flag reading 'do not forget' about the Falkland Islands, which Argentina occupied in 1982, the atmosphere intensified until halftime. In the second half, excited shouts gave way to angry outbursts, and profanity became more frequent. Some spectators sat with their arms crossed, tapping their feet or hiding their heads in the flag.
Before extra time, 87-year-old Teresa Dolores del Rio Varela expressed concern, noting that the match was dragging on and she wanted it to end quickly. Joaquin Romero, a 22-year-old salesman, considered the game 'incredibly difficult' but remained optimistic, stating: 'We are Argentinians. We are champions, and we will win.'
Climax and Match Result
However, this did not happen. Fernando Torres' dramatic goal in extra time plunged the bar into silence for the last agonizing minutes. Chichero expressed regret for Messi but disappointment with the game, saying: 'I didn't like Argentina's game. I didn't like the game plan, the substitutions, the players. I didn't like the referee.'
62-year-old pensioner Abel Torres, who played the juggler and made vuvuzela sounds throughout the match, shed tears, describing the game as 'incredibly emotional.' He noted that Argentina gave everything, demonstrating that despite difficulties, the team always rises again.
