BUENOS AIRES – Hundreds of thousands of Argentinians poured into the streets on a sunny Sunday in Buenos Aires, ecstatic after a nail-biting victory on penalties in the World Cup final over France made the South Americans world champions for the first time since 1986.
In a tense, roller-coaster match played in Qatar in front of some 88,000 fans, Argentina, led by star Lionel Messi, took home their third World Cup. They ousted the defending champions 4-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 after extra time.
“I can’t believe it! It was difficult, but we did it, thanks to Messi,” said Santiago, 13, celebrating the victory with his family in front of the Buenos Aires house that had belonged to late football icon Diego Maradona, who led the team in 1986.
Bearing flags, hats and the country’s iconic blue-and-white jerseys, Argentinians took over downtown Buenos Aires and other iconic spots within minutes of the win. Across the country, other celebrations broke out.
“It was an incredible game, at times anguishing,” said 46-year-old Diego Aburgeily, who cheered on Argentina from the suburbs of Buenos Aires.
“This team made people fall in love with them for the first time in decades.”
The South Americans, who lost the 2014 final to Germany, had not won a major title in over 25 years before last year’s Copa America.
But the rise of the team has spurred avid support in Argentina, which is plagued by high inflation and an economic crisis that has pushed some 40 per cent of the population into poverty.
“We could have won it comfortably, but we were forced to suffer, like always,” said Rogelio Vazquez. “But the suffering makes the win all the more enjoyable.”
Nerves were running high as the two teams took to penalty kicks after extra time.
Mbappe scored for France, followed by a goal from Messi. Two more goals from Argentina and two unsuccessful shots from France meant the next goal would finish the game.
Some Argentinians hung their heads, others prayed.
The final penalty from Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel saw the ball to sail neatly into the net.
Shouting, jumping and spraying their drinks in the air, incredulous Argentinians erupted in cheers as the team clinched victory.
Some, hugging friends and family, were even brought to tears.
“Dibu (Emiliano Martinez), Messi, the whole team, I love them,” said Jonathan Heredia, his voice hoarse from cheering.
“I feel like they made me cry, I wanted this more than anything.”
Huge crowds surrounded the Obelisco monument in the centre of Buenos Aires, like they had done after the semi-final win over Croatia.
Other fans leaned out the side of cars waving flags and jerseys as they rode through the streets.
“It is an immense joy after so much tension,” Nicolas Piry, a 46-year-old lawyer, told Reuters.
“The harmony between the team, headed by a leader who plays at a level making him the best in the world, and the players’ condition in general led us to this well-deserved success.
“Let’s go Argentina!” REUTERS
