Tens of thousands of football fans took to the streets of Argentina’s capital in a collective eruption of joy after their team’s 2-1 victory over England to reach the World Cup final. Some screamed, others cried - and the most frenzied sprinted shirtless through the streets of Buenos Aires on a Wednesday winter evening, their bodies painted in blue and white national colours. Young men and women scaled lamp posts and traffic lights, waving Argentina flags.
Injury-time winner sparks celebrations
The celebrations followed Lautaro Martinez’s winning goal, two minutes into injury time in the game in Atlanta. Lionel Messi’s inevitable gravity bends another occasion in Argentina’s favour, as England hearts were broken after the turnaround.
According to reports, the victory marked Argentina's return to the World Cup final, sparking nationwide festivities. Fans chanted Messi's name and set off fireworks, with traffic at a standstill in central Buenos Aires as revelers danced on car roofs.
Emotional scenes across the capital
Many fans described the win as a historic moment. “I can't believe it, we are in the final again,” said one fan, according to local media. The atmosphere remained electric for hours after the final whistle, with police monitoring the crowds but no major incidents reported.
