Brazilian legend Pele posted a wholesome message of congratulations to Lionel Messi and Argentina after their World Cup final triumph, saying that the late Argentina legend Diego Maradona would be proud of his country’s achievements.
On Sunday, Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought final in what was the last World Cup for Argentine talisman Lionel Messi. After finishing all square at the end of the second half of extra time, Argentina won the final 4-2 on penalties.
The legendary Brazilian also had a message of support for France’s Kylian Mbappe, who became just the second player in World Cup final history to score a hat-trick and also scored from 12 yards in the shootout.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi won his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved. My dear friend, Mbappe, scored four goals in the finals. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport. And I couldn’t fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine. Congratulations Argentina! Certainly, Diego is smiling now,” Pele wrote on Instagram.
Mbappe took the Golden Boot after his hat trick in the final put him on eight goals, one clear of PSG club colleague Messi who scored twice on the day. That took Mbappe to 12 goals in just two tournaments with Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals definitely in his sights. The 23-year-old has scored 36 goals in 66 France appearances and continues to bolster his reputation as one of the finest forwards on the planet.
Coming to Pele, the three-time World Cup winner is fighting cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. The 82-year-old is hospitalised for more than a week for treatment of a respiratory infection made worse by COVID-19. He is expected to get discharged as soon as he recovers fully.
The Brazilian legend who has been fighting cancer said that his health is improving and he has “no new complications.” In this hour of ill health, Pele continues to receive loads of love from his fans.
In Qatar during the FIFA World Cup, fans cheered for the five-time champions making use of shirts, flags, banners featuring a young Pele celebrating his exploits on the field and lifting trophies.
Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis | Image : Twitter/@Dev_Fadnavis
Underlining the clear stance of the Maharashtra government against Naxalites in the region, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the authorities would never stop fearing Naxals. “Maharashtra will never stop fearing Naxalites, we will answer them, today we have limited Naxalism in Gadchiroli up to a few tehsils, the youth of Gadchiroli has stopped going towards Naxalism today,” said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
His statements came while addressing the Vidhan Sabha.
Stressing the government’s approach to the completion of the Surjagarh project, Fadnavis added that the Naxalites had been deliberately provoking locals. “The government has taken serious note of the threat received by MLA Gadchiroli (Aheri) Dharmarao Baba Atram from Naxalites, all necessary security will be provided to him. Naxalites are deliberately provoking people regarding the Surjagarh project. The government will complete the Surjagarh project,” he added.
Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking on the border issue with Karnataka in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, said that there should not be any politics on it now.
“For the first time, the Union Home Minister has mediated in the inter-state border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka. There should be no politics on this issue now. We should stand together with the border residents,” said Chief Minister Shinde.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had a telephonic conversation with Shinde. “Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde had a telephonic discussion with me, we both agreed that there should be peace and law and order to be maintained in both the states,” Bommai said in a tweet.
The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka goes back to the implementation of the State Reorganization Act, of 1956. The then Maharashtra government had demanded the readjustment of its border with Karnataka. Following this, a four-member committee was formed by both states. The Maharashtra government had expressed willingness to transfer 260 predominantly Kannada-speaking villages, but the proposal was turned down by Karnataka. Both governments later approached the Supreme Court to expedite the matter.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar on Saturday said that Karnataka and Maharashtra CMs’ talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the border issue should be made public. “Karnataka and Maharashtra CMs’ talks with Union HM Amit Shah should be made public. We’ll support it if the state government proposes border issues,” said Ajit Pawar.
Hours after clinching the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy Argentine talisman Lionel Messi took to Instagram to post a series of photos along with a heartfelt note.
Messi said it was his dream to win the trophy, and he thanked the fans for their support throughout Argentina’s journey in the World Cup.
“World Champions! I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it. Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me, and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the dream of all Argentines… We did it! Go Argentina! we are seeing each other very soon,” Messi captioned a photo album on Instagram.
Argentine talisman on Sunday announced that he will continue to play football for Argentina after securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup title with his national team, defeating France.
“No, I’m not going to retiring from the Argentina national team,” he told TyC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com. “I want to continue playing as a champion.”
On Sunday, Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought final in what was the last World Cup for Argentine talisman Lionel Messi.
After finishing all square at the end of the second half of extra time, Argentina won the final 4-2 on penalties. Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, the honour given to the best player of a FIFA World Cup, after a thrilling final at Lusail which saw the legendary striker’s World Cup dreams turn into reality following a 4-2 win over France in penalties.
Messi, playing his final FIFA World Cup this year, was in top form throughout the entire tournament. Scoring crucial goals, converting penalties and assisting his teammates in scoring, the 35-year-old legend did it all. Argentina won its third World Cup, and its first since 1986.
It was a battle of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, with Messi scoring a brace and converting a penalty and Mbappe getting a hat trick.
However, it was Argentina which came out on top over France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final at Lusail by 4-2 on penalties after both teams finished at a stalemate at the end of extra time, with scoreline reading 3-3.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina began the match on a positive note as Julian Alvarez was provided with a small opportunity to test Hugo Lloris. Alvarez came close twice in the first five minutes.
On the first occasion, the ball was passed by Di Maria to him very close to the Argentina goalkeeper. He was offside though but the next shot came from a distance three minutes later and that was straight at Lloris.
A fine move by Argentina saw Mac Allister finding an opportunity to shoot. His shot, however, went straight into the hands of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Messi with another excellent attacking contribution from midfield as he unleashed Angel di Maria, who dribbled into the box before lining up a shot for Rodrigo de Paul. The shot, however, was blocked.
Within 14 minutes of the game, Mbappe found himself with some space on the left wing but the move did not materialise. Emiliano Martinez efficiently collected the ball to put the attack to an end. Angel di Maria was brought down in the penalty box by Ousmane Dembele.
Di Maria went down inside the French box after Dembele’s tackle. Lionel Messi made no mistake from the spot and beat France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. A calm penalty from the Argentine to score his 6th goal of the World Cup and took Argentina 1-0 ahead in the 23rd minute of the game.
Angel di Maria made it two for Argentina as Mac Allister set up Di Maria for a brilliant finish in the bottom right corner and di Maria made no mistake in taking his team to a 2-0 lead in the 36th minute of the game.
In the 41st minute of the game, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele went off the field and Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani took their place. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. It’s for the 6th time that Argentina had taken a 2-0 lead in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A total of 7 minutes of injury time was added in the first half.
At the end of the first half, Argentina had the upper hand and they went into the second half with a 2-0 lead over France, all thanks to amazing goals by Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
At the start of the second half, France continued to stay sluggish. Julian Alvarez clipped one in behind Raphael Varane and Mac Allister was close to getting ahead of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but the goalkeeper prevented any disaster from happening.
In the 50th minute of the match, Rodrigo De Paul almost scored, went for a volley but French goalie made the save. France won a corner in the 52nd minute, Antoine Griezmann took it but Emiliano Martinez made a save to relieve the pressure.
In the 55th minute, Adrien Rabiot of France was given a yellow card for tackling De Paul, bringing him down with a scissors-like tackle to take possession of the ball. Lloris made a save in the 60th minute after Alvarez drilled a low shot. This was Argentina’s eighth strike at the goal.
In 63rd minute, Mac Allister won possession and played to Alvarez into the box. He went for a return inside the box, but Lloris and Dayot Upamecano did not let Argentina triple their lead.
In the 65th minute, Marcos Acuna came out as substitute, replacing Di Maria. France registered their first-ever shot at goal, but Kolo Muani’s connection was poor and the ball dribbled wide.
In the 71st minute, Mbappe shoot from 22 yards but it was over the bar. France won a penalty in the 79th minute, Randal Kolo Muani was fouled. Mbappe took the penalty and scored a goal to make the scoreline read 2-1. Mbappe scored an equaliser a minute later. In the 85th minute, France had another chance to score, but could not come into the lead.
In the 87th minute, France’s Marcus Thuram was booked for diving inside the Argentina’s box. There was a clash of heads in the midfield between Rabiot and Alvarez, which stopped the game. Eight minutes of stoppage time was added to the game.
In the 94th minute, Mbappe took another shot at the goal, which was deflected. Messi came extremely close to scoring the third goal for his side in the 97th minute, but failed to do so. Both teams could not add anything to their tally in the stoppage time. The game stretched into extra time. Gonzalo Montiel replaced Molina for Argentina at the end of extra time.
In the 104th minute, Acuna missed a shot, denying Argentina another chance at taking the lead. In the 105th minute, Argentina missed two chances at scoring once again. Messi started an attack but Upamecano made a block. The ball dropped to Montiel, who tried to score from 25 yards, but a French defender hit a header to deny him the goal. Things headed into the second half of the extra time. Messi put back Argentina into the lead, scoring a 109th minute goal. Martinez’s attempt was saved by Lloris and Messi waited on rebound and forced the ball inside. The scoreline read 3-2 in favour of Argentina.
In the 116th minute, France was awarded a penalty. Mbappe converted it into a goal to make things even at 3-3, bringing up his hat trick. In the 119th minute, Messi took a corner for Argentina, but it was cleared. Mbappe’s penalty, however, took the final into a penalty shootout. Mbappe scored the first penalty for France, to give his side a 1-0 lead. Messi however restored parity for Argentina.
However, Argentina managed to save France’s second penalty. Paulo Dybala scored Argentina’s second penalty to make the scores 2-1 in their favour. France’s third penalty was also a miss. Aurelien Tchouameni hit it wide. Leandro Paredes scored in Argentina’s third straight penalty to make things 3-1.
However, Kolo Muani scored in France’s fourth penalty to make it 3-2. Montiel scored the winning penalty for Argentina, making the score 4-2 in favor of Argentina. Argentina captured their third FIFA WC title, their first since 1986. Messi’s dream of winning the title was finally fulfilled.
Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Monday claimed Maharashtra was being misled over the issue of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s ‘fake’ Twitter handle amid the boundary dispute between the two states.
Talking to reporters in the Vidhan Bhavan complex here, Chavan asked why the Maharashtra government was silent in the matter and said it seemed the state government was helping Karnataka to brush aside the controversy over the issue of the ‘fake’ Twitter account from which ”provocative comments” were made.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde last week said tweets in the name of his Karnataka counterpart claiming some areas of Maharashtra were not actually posted by Bommai.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who last week met the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka to defuse the border tensions between the two states, had said fake tweets in the name of top leaders also escalated the issue.
The dispute centres on Maharashtra’s claims on Belagavi and the surrounding region in northern Karnataka which has a sizable Marathi-speaking population. Chavan on Monday said the provocative language used in the tweets was objectionable.
”It was clarified that the Twitter handle was fake. But the handle was active since January 2015 and has been verified by Twitter. Till now, the official decisions taken by the Karnataka government are posted on that handle,” the former Maharashtra CM said.
If the Twitter handle was fake, why the tweets related to Maharashtra have not been deleted. How is the Twitter account still active? he asked.
”The Maharashtra government is being misled over the fake Twitter handle issue,” he alleged.
Chavan said Maharashtra’s stand was always that of understanding. The Karnataka chief minister makes ”provocative remarks” and it is not countered, he claimed. ”It looks like the Maharashtra government is helping Karnataka to brush aside the controversy over the fake Twitter handle. Why is the Maharashtra government going soft on this?” he asked.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking on the border issue with Karnataka in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, said that there should not be any politics on it now.
“For the first time, the Union Home Minister has mediated in the inter-state border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka. There should be no politics on this issue now. We should stand together with the border residents,” said Chief Minister Shinde.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had a telephonic conversation with Shinde. “Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde had a telephonic discussion with me, we both agreed that there should be peace and law and order to be maintained in both the states,” Bommai said in a tweet.
The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka goes back to the implementation of the State Reorganization Act, of 1956.
The then Maharashtra government had demanded the readjustment of its border with Karnataka. Following this, a four-member committee was formed by both states.
The Maharashtra government had expressed willingness to transfer 260 predominantly Kannada-speaking villages, but the proposal was turned down by Karnataka. Both governments later approached the Supreme Court to expedite the matter.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar on Saturday said that Karnataka and Maharashtra CMs’ talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the border issue should be made public.
“Karnataka and Maharashtra CMs’ talks with Union HM Amit Shah should be made public. We’ll support it if the state government proposes border issues,” said Ajit Pawar.
Congress MLAs led by the Karnataka Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah staged a protest outside the assembly after VD Savarkar’s portrait was unveiled inside Karnataka Assembly Hall on Monday. The first day of the Winter Session of the state assembly began today at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.
Opposition leaders including former chief minister and the current Leader of the Opposition, Siddaramaiah, were among those who staged a demonstration and sat outside the assembly on the steps to protest the ruling Basavaraj Bommai government’s decision to unveil a portrait of Veer Savarkar in the assembly.
Siddaramaiah in a letter to the Speaker requested for the installation of portraits of personalities like Valmiki, Basavanna, Kanaka Dasa, BR Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and others.
Karnataka Congress chief and MLA DK Shivakumar accused the state government of attempting to disrupt assembly proceedings through such steps. “They want that our Assembly proceedings should not take place. They want it disrupted. They have brought this photo because we are going to raise a lot of corruption issues against them. They don’t have any development agenda,” Shivakumar said.
Meanwhile, the BJP has hit out against the Opposition protests. “There must be ideological differences but Savarkar is a freedom fighter, then ask Siddaramaiah, whose poster must be put, of Dawood Ibrahim?,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said today in Delhi outside the Parliament.
During the 10-day Winter Session of the Karnataka Assembly the border row with neighbouring Maharashtra is likely to be brought up.
Meanwhile, In Nagpur outside the assembly, opposition Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) in Maharashtra chanted slogans targeting chief minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
With temperatures plummeting across Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to make necessary arrangements for the safety and assistance of people, including the homeless and elderly.
All district magistrates should purchase the blankets on time and distribute them to the destitute and needy people, the chief minister said during a meeting on Sunday night.
The blankets should be of good quality, and uniformity in their price must be ensured, the CM said, according to a statement.
He said preference should be given to local producers/weavers/traders in the purchase of blankets and a government order has also been issued in this regard.
It should be ensured that the distribution of relief material, including blankets, is only done by the local MP/MLA/chairman of the local body or by public representatives, he said.
Administration officials will be present for assistance, he said.
Adityanath said night shelters should be functional in all cities and the district magistrates should conduct surprise inspection of the arrangements there.
No one should be seen sleeping on the roads in the cold, he said.
Besides cleaning and sanitisation at all the night shelters, arrangements for beds and security should be made, he said.
There should be proper arrangements for bonfires at public places, the CM said.
North Korea said Monday it fired a test satellite in an important final-stage test for the development of its first spy satellite, a key military capability coveted by its leader Kim Jong Un along with other high-tech weapons systems.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency also released low-resolution, black-and-white photos showing a space view of the South Korean capital and Incheon, a city just west of Seoul, in an apparent attempt to show the North is pushing to acquire a surveillance tool to monitor its rival.
The rocket carrying the test satellite was launched Sunday to assess the satellite’s photography and data transmission systems, KCNA said.
The country’s National Aerospace Development Administration called the test results “an important success which has gone through the final gateway process of the launch of reconnaissance satellite.” It said it would complete the preparations for its first military reconnaissance satellite by April next year, according to KCNA. “From the images released, the resolution does not appear to be so impressive for military reconnaissance,” Soo Kim, a security analyst at the California-based RAND Corporation, said. “I’d note, however, that this is probably an ongoing development, so we may see more improvements to North Korea’s military reconnaissance capabilities over time.”
South Korea, Japan and US authorities said Sunday they had detected a pair of ballistic missile launches by North Korea from its northwestern Tongchang-ri area, where the North’s satellite launch pad is located.
They said the two missiles flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) at a maximum altitude of 550 kilometers (340 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
This meant North Korea likely fired two missiles with different types of cameras – one for black-and-white imagery and video and the other for color, given the North’s state media said that Sunday’s test involved both types of cameras, said Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute.
An analysis of a photo of the launch also showed the missiles were likely a new type of a liquid-fueled weapon that can be used for a military purpose as well as sending a satellite into orbit, Lee said.
Geon Ha Gyu, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Defense Ministry, told reporters Monday that the South Korean and U.S. assessments that North Korea fired the two medium-range ballistic missiles remain unchanged.
He said South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analyzing further details of the launches but declined to elaborate.
A spy satellite was on a wish list of sophisticated military assets Kim announced during a ruling party meeting early last year, together with multi-warhead missiles, solid-fuelled long-range missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles and nuclear-powered submarines.
Kim has called for such modern weapons systems and an expanded nuclear arsenal to pressure the United States to abandon its hostile polices on North Korea, an apparent reference to U.S.-led sanctions and the US-South Korean military drills that North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.
North Korea has since taken steps to develop such weapons systems. In February and March, North Korea said it conducted tests to check a camera and data transmission systems to be used on a spy satellite.
In November, it test-launched its developmental, longest-range Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, a weapon believed to be designed to carry multiple warheads. Last week, North Korea said it performed a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” to be used for a new strategic weapon, an apparent reference to a solid-fueled ICBM.
Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that North Korea will likely make a proper orbital launch for a reconnaissance satellite probably around April 15, the birthday of Kim’s late grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung.
The day is one of the most important state anniversaries in North Korea. North Korea has previously put what it called Earth observation satellites into orbit in 2012 and 2016.
Many foreign experts say both satellites were tasked with spying on its rivals though there has been no evidence that either satellite has ever relayed any imagery back to North Korea.
According to North Korea’s state media, one of the cameras tested Sunday has a 20-meter (65-feet) resolution, which Lee, the expert, said can only recognize relatively big targets such as warships sailing on the ocean and military installations in South Korea.
Lee said North Korea may be able to covertly get a more advanced camera that enable it to monitor tanks and the deployment of US strategic assets to South Korea. He said such a camera would greatly boost North Korea’s surveillance capability.
Earlier this year, North Korea test-launched a record number of missiles, many of them nuclear-capable missiles with varying ranges to reach the U.S. mainland and its allies South Korea and Japan.
It also legislated a law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear weapons on a broad range of scenarios, causing security jitters in South Korea and elsewhere. North Korea has avoided fresh U.N. sanctions for those moves, however, because U.N.
Security Council permanent members Russia and China won’t support U.S. attempts to impose them. “Having codified his country’s nuclear law earlier this year, tested missiles of varying capabilities, and made it very clear he has no interest in diplomacy with the U.S. and South Korea, Kim has essentially paved the way for nuclearisation,” Soo Kim, the analyst, said. “He’s lent the appearance that the only possible way out of this quagmire is for the international community to fold the conditions set forth by the regime.” She said a handful of other high-priority geopolitical concerns involving China and Russia “has allowed Kim to buy time and the grace of the international community to push forward with his plan.” NSA
Argentines let loose and streets across the country became places of celebration after an epic World Cup final in which the national team beat France on penalties. It was the country’s third World Cup title, and the first since 1986.
“I’m very happy, we really deserved this. The team suffered quite a bit, but it recovered as time went on,” said Josefina Villalba, a 55-year-old nanny who joined hundreds of fans at one of the many public plazas where giant screens were set up to watch the long-awaited match.
Millions of Argentines cried, yelled and hugged as they followed the game, which was a roller coaster of emotions.
Throughout the match, many watching in a public square in Buenos Aires chanted the name of captain Lionel Messi, often considered the world’s greatest soccer player who had long talked about how he yearned for a World Cup victory. “I feel an immense happiness in my heart because this is the first World Cup I truly enjoy,” Hector Quinteros, a 34-year-old security guard, said as his eyes welled up with tears. “This always happens. They always make us suffer.” After 36 long years, Argentina finally won a World Cup title, erasing years of doubts and questions about whether a country known for having some of the world’s greatest soccer players could really perform on an international stage.
The country won its first title in 1978, but lost finals in 1930, 1990 and 2014.
At the end of the first half, many were gearing up to celebrate as Argentina led 2-0 and clearly dominated the match. But that early happiness turned to anxiety as France caught up, ultimately leaving the score at 3-3 before Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties.
For many, the agonizing feelings of the match made the victory all the sweeter. “When you suffer over something so much, the satisfaction is greater,” Fabio Villani, a 45-year-old video editor said, noting he still couldn’t quite believe Argentina had won a World Cup title.
It also felt par for the course for Argentina, a country known for its seemingly endless economic crises. “Suffering is something that is very Argentine,” said Maria Isabel Ayala, a 53-year-old hairdresser. “If we suffer, it’s because we truly feel it in our hearts.” Gonzalo Nogueria, a 34-year-old photographer, said that “it’s a bit of a downer that we had to spend so much time suffering, but it’s also our way of life a bit,” adding that ”in some ways we’re used to it too.”
Many fans were quick to remember Argentina great Diego Maradona, who died two years ago, saying he had something to do with today’s victory.
“Diego sees everything from heaven, he wouldn’t have wanted Argentina to lose. The first cup without him and we won! Diego is always here, he’s eternal,” said Javier López, 18, whose voice broke as he spoke of Maradona, who led the national team to what had been its last World Cup title in 1986.
“Diego is certainly smiling now,” Brazil soccer legend Pelé wrote on social media as he congratulated Argentina for the victory.
In Rosario, Messi’s hometown, a sea of people went out into the streets to celebrate that their local hero had finally won a World Cup title. “It’s madness. It surpassed my expectations with so many people on the same wavelength, everyone celebrating. That’s what’s most beautiful about today,” said Jeremías Regolo, 26, who joined the tens of thousands of people who descended on the National Flag Memorial, the symbol of Argentina’s third largest city.
People started arriving after Messi lifted the trophy and they were still holding strong into the evening. “We’re champions, which is all we wanted, more than anything for (Messi) and for the whole team,” Santiago Ferraris, 25, said.
The national squad led by Messi has managed to unite Argentines with a sense of joy that isn’t frequent in a country that has been stuck in economic doldrums for years, is suffering one of the world’s highest inflation rates and almost four in 10 live in poverty.
“We’re very happy that they gave us this triumph that the people needed beyond the socioeconomic problems that we’re having,” Gabriel Fernández, a 42-year-old artisan, said as he celebrated his victory surrounded by his family in a Buenos Aires park. “We needed this, we needed this for all the things that we’re going through economically, politically, socially,” Alberto Czornenki, a 45-year-old retail worker, said as he joined the celebrations in a public square in Argentina’s capital. “Our lives are full of suffering due to all that, that karma that we have, and this at least gives us some happiness.
We’re then going to wake up to reality and we’re going to be in the same place, but with a different kind of enthusiasm.” Fans also had particular praise for this squad coached by Lionel Scaloni.
This team “transmits something that is very different from other squads before that did not feel pride for the national jersey, while these players give everything of themselves in each match,” said Facundo Alonso, a 26-year-old retail worker.
President Alberto Fernández joined in on the celebrations and thanked the national team for the victory. “Thank you to the players and the technical team. They’re an example that we must never give up. That we have great people and a great future,” Fernández wrote on social media.
Brazil’s president-elect, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, wrote on social media that he was “happy with the victory of our Argentine neighbors.” President Gabriel Boric of Chile, who had been rooting for the neighboring country during the match, also sent a “gigantic hug to our Argentine brothers.” On a scorching summer day, the Obelisk in downtown Buenos Aires quickly started filling with people as thousands went downtown to celebrate.
Shortly after the end of the match, the subway turned into a party as fans packed the cars, singing, chanting and jumping for joy as they headed to join the celebrations at the Obelisk. “Holding Leo Messi by the hand, we’re going to go all the way,” the crowd chanted as euphoria took over.
