Argentina's President Javier Milei has declared a national holiday to honor the Argentine national team's World Cup campaign, even though the Albiceleste lost the final to Spain on Sunday. The decision came after the team's runner-up finish in the tournament held in the United States.
President Announces Holiday via Social Media
Milei, who did not attend the title game in New Jersey due to superstition, posted on X: "WORLD CUP CELEBRATIONS. In light of the concerns regarding the celebrations to mark the Argentine national team's achievement, I would like to inform the public that, depending on the decision reached by the players and the coaching staff regarding the date of the celebrations, that day will be declared a national holiday."
Team Returns Home Without Some Players
Argentina's Football Association (AFA) confirmed that part of the delegation will fly back to Buenos Aires on Monday afternoon, while some players will not return home at this time. An AFA statement read: "Following the final, some of the squad's players will travel directly from the United States to various destinations to rejoin their clubs or begin their break. Meanwhile, part of the delegation -- comprising players, the coaching staff and other staff members -- will return to Argentina tomorrow [Monday], with arrival scheduled for around 5 p.m."
Argentina's Quest for Back-to-Back Titles Falls Short
Argentina entered the final aiming to become the first nation to win consecutive World Cups since Pele's Brazil teams achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962. However, they were defeated 2-0 by Spain, with substitute Ferran Torres breaking the deadlock in the 106th minute with a close-range strike. The goal gave the European champions their second World Cup crown, while Argentina fell just short of a historic double.
