Is there a more loyal fan in international football than Argentina? The scenes following Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain once again made that question difficult to answer.After losing 0-1 in overtime, Argentine fans did not leave silently, but stayed to cheer for the team. They sang football songs, chanted “Messsiii, Messsiii” around the stadium and applauded the players long after the final whistle.The same sentiment was felt thousands of kilometers away in Buenos Aires, where supporters gathered around the city’s obelisk to thank the team despite the defeat. Their message is simple: “Gracias iguales”.Also read: Lionel Messi tearfully exits FIFA World Cup as football’s greatest playerUntil the final whistle, fans still held out hope for another comeback. But as Spain sealed victory, disappointment turned to admiration for Argentina’s return to a World Cup final.At the Obelisk, a traditional gathering place for football celebrations in the Argentine capital, supporters who gathered hours before kick-off first observed a moment of silence and then began singing in honor of the team.“We made it to the finals, which is no small achievement,” 20-year-old student Luciano Ortega said with a smile, according to the Buenos Aires Times.As night fell (local time), more fans poured into the square. Drums, fireworks, firecrackers and car horns filled the air as supporters continued to chant regardless of the outcome.Argentine President Javier Milai also posted a message on X praising the team: “Thank you very much, players! You fought until the end. Argentina was always on top. “In Rosario, Lionel MessiAbout 300 kilometers northwest of his hometown of Buenos Aires, hundreds of people gathered at a national monument after the final to pay tribute to the team.The monument was lit up with the Argentinian flag, with supporters waving flags and wearing national team jerseys holding up photos of Messi as fireworks lit up the night sky.“We have won the World Cup. We should not just cry, we should celebrate. Messi has taken us to the top of the world. “Sergio Irazabal, who attended with his family in a light blue and white wig, told AFP.South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL also acknowledged the scene, posting a celebration video on X with the text: “Despite the result, Argentina still values ​​the team’s performance.”Victory for Spain gave them their first World Cup title since 2010 and extended Luis de la Fuente’s side’s unbeaten run in international competition to a European record 38 games.For Argentina, the defeat ended an impressive title defense that began four years ago when they lifted the trophy in Qatar. It is widely expected that this will be Messi’s last World Cup appearance.Even after the defeat, the mood across Buenos Aires was more one of pride than disappointment. Supporters chose to celebrate as the team reached another World Cup final and continued to play until Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time to seal victory.
