Without a cup, but with pride: thousands of Argentines took to the streets to thank the national team

Argentina’s football fans showed their pride and gratitude despite the team's defeat in the World Cup final, with thousands taking to the streets across the country to celebrate the journey rather than the outcome. The silence that had gripped cities during the tense final match ended almost immediately after the whistle blew in New York-New Jersey, more than 8,000 kilometers away. Though the goal that could have sealed victory was missing, this did not dampen the spirits of those who chose to gather in familiar spots, expressing appreciation for the campaign that brought the national team to the final. In Mar del Plata, the afternoon was initially marked by quiet reflection and disappointment following the loss to Spain. However, the mood shifted as people began to converge in the city center, celebrating the effort rather than the result. The preparations for the day had been festive, with many businesses closing early and public transport halting around noon. Just over an hour after the match concluded, the first bursts of fireworks echoed through the streets, though they were subdued compared to the euphoria of Wednesday’s historic win against England in the semifinals. Melchor, accompanied by his three children, walked toward the municipal palace, a common gathering point for celebrations. He expressed that the true joy lay in the journey itself, stating, “That was the real happiness, worth more than a championship.” In Bariloche, the emotional toll of the defeat was evident, with some fans showing signs of distress. Yet, even here, there was a sense of unity as people gathered around the Plaza San Martín, climbing up to place Argentine flags atop the monument dedicated to General San Martín. This act, repeated in previous matches, saw some individuals injured while attempting to reach the top. Local authorities deployed traffic control measures to ensure pedestrian safety and facilitate movement, particularly for motorcyclists, which proved to be a practical mode of transportation given the lack of public transit. The area around the plaza remained lively, with a continuous stream of vehicles and the sound of horns echoing through the air. The impact of the loss was similarly felt in Mendoza, where the atmosphere was heavy with silence and resignation. Despite this, several residents opted to join the celebration, doing so with calmness and respect for the team’s efforts under coach Lionel Scaloni. The streets of the province largely emptied as people returned home, with few remaining in the main squares or at the capital’s kilometer zero, where a large gathering had been anticipated should Argentina have won. As the night deepened, the mood in Mar del Plata gradually returned to normalcy. A group of friends, parting ways in the city center, expressed hope for future opportunities, saying, “There will be another chance,” and “We’ll have to start again, no matter the cost.” They spoke these words with hearts still hurting, according to their own accounts. Across Córdoba, the presence of Argentine flags, horns, and jerseys became increasingly visible from midday onward, continuing into the evening. The spirit of celebration persisted, driven by a shared sense of pride in the nation’s football journey, even in the face of defeat.