With broken hearts but an intact will to support their national team, thousands of Argentine fans gathered around the Obelisco in Buenos Aires City on Sunday to celebrate the achievements of the squad led by Lionel Messi as captain and coach Lionel Scaloni. Following the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, fans braved through the cold and humid weather to show their love one last time this tournament, singing chants and celebrating despite the result. EL RESPALDO DE LOS HINCHAS A LA SCALONETA EN EL OBELISCO DESDE EL DRON DE ÁMBITO A pesar de la derrota, miles de hinchas se reunieron en el Obelisco para acompañar a la Selección y reconocer el camino del equipo de Lionel Scaloni y Lionel Messi.El dron de Ámbito registró… pic.twitter.com/orp2dk8aZg— Ámbito Financiero (@Ambitocom) July 20, 2026 This was Argentina’s seventh World Cup final, and the fourth time they finished the tournament second.
The last time had been in 2014, when they lost to Germany. In 2022, the national team won the World Cup played in Qatar. Drone photos and videos taken on Sunday night show a packed 9 de Julio Avenue, the city’s main road.
Fans carried Argentine flags, banners, hats and other Argentina-themed paraphernalia. MILES DE HINCHAS DE JUNTAN EN EL OBELISCO PARA AGRADECERLE A LA SCALONETALos hinchas agradecen el esfuerzo del equipo que alcanzó la final del Mundial por segunda edición consecutiva | Gabriela Cabrera | Mariano Fuchila pic.twitter.com/NLlkhExImf— Ámbito Financiero (@Ambitocom) July 20, 2026 The Buenos Aires City government also projected images of the players onto the Obelisco to thank the Scaloneta, the nickname of the team led by Scaloni. Thank you, Scaloneta,” the images said.
An Argentine flag left by fans at a bus stop also read: “Thank you, you made the Argentine people happy. Love is paid for with love.” esta bandera que me crucé en el obelisco pic.twitter.com/Zv3UD3AAv4— jere (@sushienlata) July 19, 2026 Argentinos marchan al Obelisco de Buenos Aires tras quedar subcampeones en el #Mundial2026. pic.twitter.com/kEpRqq6od4— Gabriel Bastidas (@Gbastidas) July 19, 2026 A few hours into the evening, the gathering came to a halt when Buenos Aires City police forces began pushing fans out of the streets using water trucks and rubber bullets.
Long rows of armed officers were seen sweeping the streets with shields.
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