Argentina mourns as Messi’s World Cup era nears its end

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The excitement and optimism of Argentine fans turned into heartbreak as their hopes of another Lionel Messi-led World Cup comeback ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

At Cafe Relax in Buenos Aires, many supporters were left in tears after the final whistle, with the biggest source of their sadness being the belief that the 39-year-old Messi had likely played his final World Cup match.

“I feel empty because of Messi. I won't see him in a World Cup again. This is the last one,” said 22-year-old architecture student Camilo Cichero as he comforted a crying friend.

His friend Juan Saenz, also 22, said the match marked the end of the Messi era for a generation that had grown up watching the Argentine star play.

After a difficult World Cup campaign marked by a series of narrow victories, Argentine supporters had hoped their team could secure another consecutive victory in the final in New Jersey.

Fans wearing Argentina's blue-and-white colours gathered in bars and public squares despite the cold weather, beginning the match with loud cheers and high expectations.

At Cafe Relax, nervous chants gradually gave way to tension as the game progressed. Supporters shouted at the screen, chewed their nails, buried their faces in flags, and reacted angrily to events on the pitch.

The dismissal of Enzo Fernandez after he received two yellow cards caused further distress among the fans.

Even before extra time began, some supporters were growing increasingly nervous as the match continued. Many remained convinced that Argentina would eventually find a way to win.

But it was not to be.

A dramatic extra-time goal from Ferran Torres silenced the bar during the final minutes of the match. Despite the defeat, applause continued for the Argentine team.

Cichero said he was disappointed with Argentina's performance, criticising the team's tactics, substitutions, players, and the referee.

For 62-year-old retiree Abel Torres, who watched the match wearing a blue-and-white jester hat and blowing a vuvuzela, the game was deeply emotional.

He said Argentina had given everything and that the team had demonstrated the country's ability to rise again despite difficulties and obstacles.

Across Buenos Aires, fireworks were set off, car horns sounded, and thousands of fans still gathered at the iconic Obelisk, a traditional site for football celebrations.

Despite the defeat, many supporters said they planned to take to the streets to welcome the team home.

“Thank you so much, players. You fought until the very end. Argentina will always stand tall,” President Javier Milei wrote on X.

Source: The Daily Star