Argentina rewarded with national holiday despite World Cup defeat and deplorable antics | Football | Sport
La Albiceleste failed to register a shot on target in normal time, the first time a team has done so in World Cup final history, and were scrutinised for their regressive approach. Argentina sat deep and were guilty of a litany of fouls against the Spanish, not to mention the hysterics that unfolded around referee Slavko Vincic when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for an obvious foul on Pau Cubarsi. Nevertheless, Argentina President Javier Milei confirmed the population will get to mark the occasion with a national holiday some day this week, depending on the team’s own celebrations. Scaloni’s men appeared to be anything but in the mood to celebrate after their runner-up finish was confirmed in New Jersey, denying Lionel Messi & Co their second straight World Cup crown in dramatic fashion.
Milei expressed his gratitude for the players’ efforts on X and made a public statement in light of Sunday’s debacle as he wrote: “Thank you very much, players!!! Fighting to the very end. Argentina, always held high.”
Argentina’s president later confirmed the country would celebrate a national holiday on the day the team returns from the United States. This was expected to be on either Monday or Tuesday but it’s reported that will be contingent on whether or not the team decides to celebrate its achievement.
Milei added: “WORLD CUP CELEBRATION. “Given the excitement surrounding the celebrations for the Argentine national team’s achievement, I am informing the public that, depending on the day the players and coaching staff decide to celebrate, that day will be declared a public holiday.”
The matter is also complicated by the fact not all Argentina’s players are expected to return to the country following their World Cup commitments. TyC Sports reported many stars of the squad will immediately head off for their vacations or return to their clubs rather than fly back to Argentina on Monday.
A group comprised of certain players, coaching staff and support staff are expected to land back in Argentina at around 5pm local time on Monday evening. And it’s possible the plans for any celebration may be postponed or cancelled altogether if the team isn’t present to participate.
The sentiment from both fans, celebrities and political figures in Argentina has been largely positive despite the silver medal finish. However, the players were united in their mourning as they watched Spain collect the Jules Rimet trophy at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
The manner in which Argentina’s fate was sealed may also have an impact on whether Messi & Co feel much like revelling in their accomplishment. Ugly scenes unfolded as Argentinian players berated their Spanish counterparts and Paredes’ assault on Barcelona midfielder Gavi will go down as one of the most infamous moments in World Cup final history.
In any case, President Milei has sought to find positivity amid the chaos by giving the people of Argentina a consolation prize. However, the players themselves may have the final say on whether or not he follows through.
