Following Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final, tensions escalated among fans in Buenos Aires, resulting in the deployment of a water cannon and tear gas by law enforcement. Thousands had gathered in the capital, eager to witness Lionel Messi and his team defend their title. However, their hopes were dashed when Enzo Fernandez inadvertently provided Spain with the upper hand. Ferran Torres sealed Spain’s victory with a decisive goal during extra time, leading to a disappointing 1-0 result for Argentina.
The situation took a turn for the worse in New Jersey, where chaos ensued on the pitch at full-time, culminating in confrontations between players. Notably, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes received a red card for his aggressive actions towards Eric Garcia from Spain following the final whistle. Up until that point, the atmosphere in Buenos Aires, a city home to three million residents, had remained largely peaceful.
Riot Erupts in the City
However, at approximately 11:45 PM local time, violence erupted as clashes broke out between the police and frustrated fans. The unrest began near the iconic Obelisk, a national landmark often associated with major celebrations, when a group of supporters attempted to breach protective barriers surrounding it. For around 20 minutes, the situation deteriorated as a substantial number of fans began throwing glass bottles and other projectiles at the authorities.
In response to the escalating violence, police employed tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the angry crowds. Reports indicate that at least 15 individuals have been arrested, and multiple injuries were sustained during the disturbances, though the exact condition of those hurt remains unclear. Images circulating globally depict the aftermath, with debris strewn across the streets of the capital, including a concerning photograph of a police officer appearing to strike a supporter on the ground.
National Holiday Announced Amidst Turmoil
Despite the disappointment of the match, Argentinians are set to celebrate with a national holiday. President Javier Milei made the announcement just hours after Spain’s Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy, stating that the timing of the celebrations would be determined by the players and coaching staff. In a post on social media platform X, translated into English, Milei expressed, “Given the concern about the celebrations for the achievement reached by the Argentine National Team, I inform the population that, depending on what the players and the technical staff decide regarding the day to celebrate, it will be declared a national holiday.”
In the wake of Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 World Cup, a bank holiday was observed, taking place the Tuesday following the final, coinciding with the players’ return to Buenos Aires for a grand parade. Those festivities were centred around the same Obelisk, highlighting the significance of this location in the nation’s celebratory culture.
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