Argentina president declares national holiday after World Cup final defeat
President Javier Milei has allowed the Argentine squad to choose a date for a national holiday to celebrate their World Cup campaign.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Argentina's government has taken the unusual step of allowing the national squad to select a date for a public holiday to commemorate their tournament campaign in North America. The decision comes despite the team's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, decided by a Ferran Torres strike.
The announcement has sparked fierce public debate, as the team failed to retain their world title and struggled offensively, failing to register a single shot on target during the final in New York. President Javier Milei, who avoided attending the showpiece event due to personal superstitions, confirmed the policy via social media.
Given the concern about the celebrations for the achievement reached by the Argentine National Team, I inform the population that, depending on what the Players and the Technical Staff decide regarding the day to celebrate, it will be declared a national holiday. Javier Milei
The declaration caused confusion among citizens, with many questioning whether celebrating a runner-up finish is appropriate. Critics have suggested that players would likely prefer to return to their club duties rather than participate in parade festivities.
Thank you so much, players. We fought until the end with our boots on. Argentina always at the top. Javier Milei
Beyond the celebrations, the coaching staff must now pivot toward integrating new talent as several veterans prepare to exit the international stage. While it is widely expected that Lionel Messi has played his sixth and final World Cup, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star has yet to formally confirm his retirement from Argentina duty.