Argentina President Javier Milei has announced plans to declare a national holiday in honor of the national football team despite their heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match, held at New York/New Jersey Stadium, saw Ferran Torres score the decisive goal in the 106th minute, handing Spain its second World Cup title and ending Argentina's reign as champions.
President Confirms Holiday Plans
According to ESPN, Milei chose not to attend the final due to personal superstitions regarding the national team. However, following the match, he took to social media to confirm the holiday. He wrote on X: "In light of the concern regarding the celebrations to mark the Argentine national team's achievement, I would like to inform the public that, depending on what the players and coaching staff decide regarding the date for the celebrations, that day will be declared a national holiday." The president emphasized that the timing would depend on the availability and preference of head coach Lionel Scaloni, his staff, and the players after they return home.
Argentina's Campaign and Defeat
Argentina entered the final hoping to become the first nation in over 60 years to successfully defend the World Cup title. However, Spain dominated large portions of the contest, and Argentina struggled to create clear chances, failing to register a shot on target during normal time. The task became even harder when midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off late in the game for a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí. Despite the loss, Argentina's journey to the final was impressive: they topped their group and defeated Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England in the knockout rounds.
Messi's Performance and Future
Captain Lionel Messi once again led from the front, finishing the tournament with eight goals, second only to France's Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot standings. The 39-year-old briefly became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer before Mbappé reclaimed the record with a brace in France's third-place playoff against England. Following the final, coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he had not yet discussed international retirement with Messi, praising his captain's extraordinary contribution to Argentine football and stating that Messi had earned the right to decide his own future.
