Numerous Argentines flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on Sunday in celebration of their country's thrilling World Cup triumph over France on penalties, which made the South Americans champions for the first time since 1986.
Argentina, spearheaded by star Lionel Messi, won its third World Cup after defeating France, the defending champions, 4-2 on penalties after tying 3-3 after extra time in a nail-biting final played in Qatar in front of about 88,000 spectators.
"It's really unbelievable! Despite the challenges, we succeeded thanks to Messi "said Santiago, 13, as he and his family celebrated the triumph in front of the home in Buenos Aires that once belonged to late soccer legend and team captain Diego Maradona.
Argentines quickly occupied the downtown area of Buenos Aires and other famous locations after the victory, carrying flags, hats, and the nation's trademark blue-and-white jerseys. Different parties erupted in other parts of the nation.
Diego Aburgeily, 46, a national team supporter from the Buenos Aires suburbs, described the match as "amazing, at times anguishing." For the first time in decades, "this team" made people fall in love with themselves.
The South American squad hadn't won a World Cup since 1986 when they fell to Germany in the 2014 tournament final. However, the team's success has inspired fervent support in Argentina, where 40% of the population now lives in poverty due to severe inflation and an economic crisis.
Argentine fan Rogelio Vazquez stated, "We should have won it easily, but we were forced to suffer, like always." However, the pain makes the victory even more satisfying.
After extra time, the two teams went to penalty kicks, and tensions were high. Messi scored for Argentina with ease, and Kylian Mbappe of France then scored. Following two more goals from Argentina and two missed shots from France, the game would be decided by the subsequent goal.
While others prayed, some Argentines hung their heads.
Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina's final penalty kick sent the ball sailing into the goal with precision.
Unbelieving Argentines cheered as the team won, shouting, jumping, and shooting their beverages into the air. Some even started crying as they hugged their loved ones.
Jonathan Heredia said in a loud, jubilant voice, "Dibu (Martinez), Messi, the whole team, I love them." I felt like they forced me to cry because I was so desperate for this.
"Extreme joy"
Like they had done following the victory over Croatia in the semifinals, large crowds gathered around the Obelisco monument in the heart of Buenos Aires. As they rode through the streets, other supporters leaned out the sides of their cars and waved flags and jerseys.
Lawyer Nicolas Piry, 46, told Reuters, "It is an amazing joy after so much strain."
"We achieved this well-deserved win because to the unity between the team, which is led by a player who performs at a level that makes him the best in the world, and the overall state of the players. Come on Argentina! "Added he.
While Angel Di Maria scored the other goal for Argentina, Messi, 35, scored twice in the first half and once more in overtime. Before the shootout, Mbappe, 23, scored all three goals for France.
With Sunday's game likely to be his final World Cup appearance for Argentina, Messi's place as a legend among Argentines is cemented by the team's victory in the championship.
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