Argentina celebrated a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday, securing a place in the World Cup final. The win, achieved via a late-game comeback by Lionel Scaloni’s squad, sparked massive celebrations across Buenos Aires and other major cities, where fans combined sporting joy with political protests regarding the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
Massive Crowds Converge on the Obelisco
The epicenter of the celebrations was the Obelisco in Buenos Aires, where an estimated crowd of over one million people gathered on the iconic Avenida 9 de Julio. According to local reports, the area had been fenced off early Wednesday morning in anticipation of the high-tension match.
The festivities extended beyond the city center into residential neighborhoods and other provinces. In the coastal city of Mar del Plata, large concentrations of fans gathered in parks and streets to mark the win. In Buenos Aires, fans improvised traffic closures on major thoroughfares including Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Córdoba avenues, filling the streets with music and spontaneous celebrations.
Political Tensions and the Malvinas Factor
While manager Lionel Scaloni emphasized before the match that the encounter was strictly sporting, the victory took on a political dimension for many supporters. Banners and flags throughout the streets featured demands for the return of the Malvinas, reflecting the long-standing sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The atmosphere was marked by high emotion and some instances of disorder. Reports indicate that some celebrants burned English flags. This sentiment was echoed by high-ranking officials; hours before kickoff, Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel referred to the English as “pirates and usurpers.”
The ‘Scaloneta’ Comeback Narrative
The 2-1 result reinforced Argentina’s reputation for late-match rallies during this tournament. Fans in Buenos Aires cafes and bars expressed surprise at the turnaround, noting that many had felt pessimistic after England’s previous victory over Switzerland.
Post-match chants in the streets highlighted the intensity of the rivalry, with fans shouting “El que no salta es un inglés” (He who doesn’t jump is English) and calling for “a minute of silence for England, who is dead.”
Generational Impact of the Victory
The celebrations brought together three distinct generations of Argentine football fans: those who remember the era of Diego Maradona, those who waited three decades for the third star achieved in 2022, and children who have grown up knowing Argentina as champions. For many, the win felt as significant as a title victory due to the specific opponent.
When asked about the possibility of Spain winning the trophy, some fans noted that while they prefer Argentina to win a fourth star, they would prefer a Spanish victory over an English one.
Argentina now prepares for the World Cup final this coming Sunday. Official details regarding the kickoff time and venue will be confirmed by FIFA.
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