Argentina's World Cup Runners-Up Decline Celebrations After Defeat

Argentina's World Cup runners-up returned home quietly after their 1-0 defeat to Spain, with President Javier Milei revealing that the players chose not to hold any victory parade or public celebration. Despite several offers from the government, the squad decided they were too disappointed by the final defeat to celebrate.

Speaking to LN+, Milei said the players were offered multiple ways to celebrate their campaign but declined them all. "The players were given the option of holding six different celebrations. But, clearly, and because of the sadness caused to them by their inability to win the final, they decided not to hold any celebrations," he said.

The President had also offered to host the team at the Casa Rosada if they won the World Cup and later suggested a national holiday after they finished runners-up, but those plans were dropped following the players' decision.

Speaking about the defeat, he added, "The match was extremely difficult for us on Sunday, and yet Argentina could have grabbed an equaliser in the final minutes, even though the run of play was not at all favourable to Argentina." But he lauded the team, saying that Argentina "always took up stances and behaved in a measured manner throughout the tournament, even in the moments when the referees took incorrect positions towards the Argentina national team in some matches, as they responded in a very measured and organised way, and they were always distinguished by fighting until the end."

Milei also defended Lionel Messi, who did not return to Argentina with the rest of the squad. "I think we have a great deal to thank Messi for, because of all the wonderful things he has given on the pitch. And for us, those of us who love football, there are no words to describe it," he said, calling Messi "the best player of all time," he added. The President also urged fans to respect Messi's choice to stay away, saying, "I don't think this is a moment when he feels comfortable, and this must also be taken into consideration."

Reflecting on the final, Milei felt Argentina had suffered poor refereeing during the tournament but praised the players for staying composed. He also described Spain as "a formidable opponent" and said Argentina fought until the very end despite the difficult circumstances.