Mourning instead of celebration: Argentina will welcome its national team without official festivities

Argentine President Javier Milei has decided to cancel the planned official celebrations in honor of the national football team's return. Although the team finished as runners-up in the World Cup, the atmosphere in the country will not be one of triumph.

According to information from the newspaper "Equipo", the decision was dictated by the request of the players themselves. After the painful 0-1 defeat to Spain in extra time, the players expressed a reluctance to participate in large-scale celebrations. As a result, no official public holiday will be declared in Argentina, and the ceremonial welcome for the team will be canceled.

"The players had a choice between six different celebration options. But given the sadness following the loss, they decided not to celebrate. We will respect this decision," Milei stated in an official communique, adding that the team's performance remains an "extraordinary event" for the nation.

Although thousands of fans have already met part of the group at Ezeiza Airport near Buenos Aires, key figures such as Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul were not among those who arrived. This stands in contrast to the unprecedented welcome in 2022, when millions of Argentines filled the streets to greet the world champions.