Kathmandu. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain to defend their World Cup title.

For the fans, this defeat is not only the loss of the title, but also the end of Lionel Messi’s possible last World Cup journey.

In Buenos Aires, thousands of fans gathered in bars, cafes and public squares to watch the match in shock. At the start of the match, the fans were filled with enthusiasm, cheers and hope, drowning in tears, despair and emotion till the end of the game. Many have said that the pain of not seeing the 39-year-old Messi again at the World Cup is the biggest pain.

Camilo Chichero, a 22-year-old architecture student, said he felt “empty” and said it was hard to accept that Messi’s World Cup journey was over. “At least it was some consolation that Messi had won all the major titles he should have won in his career,” he said.

His friend Juan Sainz, a law student, said he had grown up in the era of Messi, saying it was not just a player’s farewell, but the end of an era.

However, even after the defeat, Argentina’s fans have maintained their respect for their team. Thousands of fans gathered in Buenos Aires’ famous Obelisk area to cheer for the team. They have also pledged to take to the streets to welcome the team when they return home.

President Xavier Milei thanked the players for their “last-minute struggle” on X.

Before the final, Argentina fans were confident that the team would be champions again on the basis of consecutive hard-fought victories. Wearing national flags and blue-white jerseys, they gathered at bars and public places in the early hours of the morning. As the game progressed, the excitement gradually turned to tension.

In the second half and extra time, the supporters were drowned in prayers, screams and worry. Many fans were even more disappointed when Enzo Fernandes was sent off the field after receiving a red card. Ferran Torres finally ended Argentina’s title defence in extra time.

After the defeat, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, tactics, selection of players and the decisions of the referees. But many said they were proud of the players because they played with all their might until the end.

Abel Torres, a 62-year-old retiree, said Argentina had fought until the last minute and showed the character of a nation that would rise to the occasion in difficult conditions.

Hundreds of fans gathered in Messi’s hometown of Rosario to pay their respects to the team and Messi. Fan Sergio Irazbal said Messi had taken Argentina to the top of world football despite missing the World Cup.