Hope, excitement and loud cheers filled the streets of Argentina before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. But by the end of the night, they had turned into silence, tears and heartbreak as Lionel Messi and Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
For many fans watching at Cafe Relax in the heart of Buenos Aires, the defeat was painful not just because Argentina lost the title, but because it was most likely Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
“I feel empty,” a 22-year-old architecture student Camilo Cichero told AFP, as he comforted a friend who was in tears.
“Empty because of Messi. We won’t see him at another World Cup. This was his last one.”
“It didn’t end the way we wanted, but at least I have peace knowing he has already won everything there is to win.”
His friend, Juan Saenz, a 22-year-old law student, struggled to hold back his emotions.
“This was the last World Cup of Messi. It feels like the end of an era,” he said.
“I was born while Messi was already playing, and now that chapter has come to an end.”
Despite the disappointment, the mood across Buenos Aires slowly changed after the final whistle. Fireworks lit up the sky, car horns echoed through the streets and thousands of fans gathered at the famous Obelisk, the traditional meeting point for football celebrations.
Many supporters said they would return on Monday to welcome the team home and thank them for their efforts.
President Javier Milei also praised the players on social media.
“Thank you so much, players! You fought until the very end. Argentina will always stand tall,” he wrote.
Argentina had reached another World Cup final after grinding out several close victories, and fans believed their team could produce one more magical comeback.
Wrapped in Argentina flags and wearing the famous blue-and-white jersey, supporters packed bars and public squares despite the cold weather, hoping to witness another historic night.
Meanwhile, in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, hundreds of fans gathered to honour the football legend with fireworks, songs and chants despite the defeat.
“We’ve already won a World Cup,” fan Sergio Irrazabal told AFP.
“We can’t just cry. We have to celebrate. Messi has already taken Argentina to the top of the football world.”
