Argentina’s national team received a passionate welcome from supporters upon returning home from the World Cup, despite their dramatic defeat to Spain and the controversy that overshadowed the final in New Jersey.
Thousands of fans lined the streets of Buenos Aires as players and staff celebrated with an open-top bus parade following their runners-up finish. Head coach Lionel Scaloni and 16 members of the 26-man squad returned to Argentina, where they were greeted with a red carpet reception and a military band at Ezeiza International Airport.
The celebrations came after a turbulent World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving two yellow cards. His first caution came for dissent towards referee Slavko Vincic, while the second followed a heavy challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
In a statement shared on social media after the tournament, Fernandez focused on the team’s overall journey rather than the controversial ending.
He said the squad had represented Argentina “in the best possible way” throughout the competition, adding that true competition is about giving everything for the national shirt, showing pride, humility and commitment regardless of the result.
The final whistle sparked heated confrontations between players and coaching staff from both teams. FIFA has since appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents, with suspensions for individuals and a possible fine for the Argentine Football Association among the potential outcomes.
Defender Nahuel Molina, midfielders Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, were all seen during the altercations. Paredes appeared to push Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before also shoving Gavi to the ground, while Ayala was involved in clashes with Garcia and Dani Olmo.
Questions have also emerged about events before kick-off. Social media speculation suggested Lionel Messi may have informed his team-mates that the final would be his last appearance for Argentina.
Unverified footage circulated by Argentine broadcaster RLC Noticias appeared to show Messi encouraging his team to remain calm as they walked towards the tunnel, urging them to ignore outside distractions and focus solely on the match.
Argentina’s conduct after the final attracted strong criticism from former England internationals. Alan Shearer condemned the post-match scenes, saying there was “no place” for such behaviour, while Joe Hart described the incidents as “disgusting.”
Scaloni attempted to ease tensions after the match, insisting his side accepted defeat with dignity and remained proud of everything they achieved during the tournament.
Argentina had reached the final after winning their opening seven matches, defeating Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England. They produced memorable comeback victories against Egypt and England before eventually falling to Spain in the championship match.
Several Argentine media outlets have since suggested the final could mark the end of Scaloni’s tenure as head coach. There is also growing belief that Lionel Messi, who was visibly emotional after the defeat, has played his final World Cup match.
Messi later admitted the loss was deeply painful but said he would choose to remember everything the team accomplished during its run.
Not all of Argentina’s stars returned home for the celebrations. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves in the final, joined the festivities in Buenos Aires, while Messi instead travelled back to Miami to rejoin his club, Inter Miami.