Argentina Declares National Holiday Despite World Cup Final Loss to Spain

Spain claimed the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2010, ending Argentina's reign as defending champions with a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time, sealing the win for Spain.

President Javier Milei did not attend the final, citing superstition as his reason for absence.

He stated the holiday would be granted in line with the wishes of the players and technical staff regarding the date of any celebrations for the “logro alcanzado.”

Details for the exact date of the bank holiday remain unconfirmed; government sources indicated the announcement would be formalized shortly.

The decision sparked varied reactions among Argentinian citizens; some questioned President Milei's post declaring a holiday.

Others joked that a day of national mourning fit the result more appropriately.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted in Buenos Aires as furious Argentina supporters turned violent after their team’s defeat, pelting riot police with rocks and bottles.

Riot police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon against fans, leading to at least 15 arrests and dozens injured in the capital.

Images captured one supporter receiving a kick to the head from a police officer amid the melee, while others showed police striking fans as they battled to regain control around the landmark.

This street violence mirrored tensions on the pitch, as some Argentine players threw punches at the victors after the full-time whistle.

After the final whistle in New Jersey, some Argentine players punched, kicked, and grabbed at their Spanish opponents.

During the trophy presentation, the South American side then turned their backs on the victorious Spaniards.

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card during the match; Argentina struggled to create opportunities, not managing a single shot on target.

Beyond the immediate aftermath, the Argentina team faces disciplinary action from FIFA for waving a banner in support of their country's territorial claim to the Falkland Islands.

The UK government maintains that the Falkland Islands belong to the UK, a long-standing point of contention between the two nations since the 1982 conflict.

This incident follows a history of Argentine sports teams making political statements, including the 1986 World Cup team's dedication of their victory to the 'Malvinas' veterans.

In stark contrast to Argentina's holiday, Spain has not declared a public holiday but prepares a hero’s welcome for its team.

The Spanish squad returns to Madrid on Monday, where King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will receive them.

A parade through the city center will follow, moving from near the Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square, a route expected to draw hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans.

The future of Lionel Scaloni's tenure as Argentina's coach remains uncertain, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the year, placing pressure on the AFA to secure a new agreement or seek a replacement.

This outcome shifts the global football landscape, with Spain now holding both the men's and women's World Cup titles, a dual achievement last seen by Germany in 2014.