Buenos Aires fans proud despite Argentina's World Cup final defeat

Emotional Support from Buenos Aires

"I'm disappointed, but not with them. They gave it their all. What more could we ask of them?" says Laura Ramirez, 31, in tears.

The Albiceleste supporters spent an extra thirty minutes shouting louder than ever to the sound of the bombo, the drum that accompanies fans in the stands. The Argentines expected nothing less from this team, but extra time once again put their nerves and voices to the test. The goal scored by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute did not silence them—quite the opposite.

A City Dressed in Sky Blue and White

In the San Telmo neighborhood, in the historic heart of the capital, 8,500 km from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, fans had cheered when Messi appeared on screen five minutes before kickoff. They had applauded as the May sun appeared in the middle of the Argentine flag. They had roared while singing the line from the national anthem that declares "we swear to die in glory."

With banners bearing the likenesses of Maradona and Messi, flags, jerseys emblazoned with the number 10, and banners claiming the Falklands hanging from windows, Buenos Aires had adorned itself in sky blue and white to break through the grayness and cold of this final day.

"I'm nervous, my stomach hurts, and I didn't sleep a wink all night," admitted Abi Picchi, 25.

Faith and Superstition in the Stands

"It's hard, but I have faith. We're used to suffering."

Anita Bernardin, 35, had taken out a figurine of the Virgin. When La Roja stormed the Argentine camp from the start of the match, fans had to call on the spirits to help "Dibu," Emiliano Martinez, who was far too busy for their liking. Every save by the Argentine goalkeeper, every Albiceleste rescue, was applauded like a goal, with bated breath.

At halftime, she and her friends crossed the street to light candles at the foot of a mural of Diego Maradona, "to bring him here and change the course of the match."

"It's hard, but I have faith. We're used to suffering," assured Pablo Ciro, 44, as the halftime show played on the screen to the complete indifference of the crowd.

"I'll have plenty of time to watch it another day; the important thing is to live the moment, here and now," says Marty Bernal, 36.

A Bittersweet Ending

Casting spells, singing, shouting, talking to the players with every touch of the ball—everything was done to make the magic work from Argentina. Without success, this time.

But the Argentines will not let themselves sink into despair. The final whistle had barely sounded when many were already heading toward the obelisk to pay tribute to this team that won them over by giving them a World Cup (2022), two Copa Americas, and a victory against the English in the semifinals.