21/07/2026 09:05 - Deportes
Despite the rain and cold, the fans' love was unstoppable in Ezeiza.
On July 20, 2026, the Argentine National Team returned to the country after a tough 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The AR1971 flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas landed at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (commonly known as Ezeiza) at 18:19 hours. They were received with a protocol operation that included a red carpet and a performance of 'Muchachos' by the Alto Perú Military Fanfare of the Mounted Grenadiers Regiment.
As a gesture of deep gratitude, the airport had prepared a welcome visible from the air: the word 'GRACIAS' (Thank You) painted in 150-meter letters on the runway grass, a task that took more than 20 cans of paint, 100 stakes, and three days of labor.
The weather was no impediment for tens of thousands of fans who lined both sides of the Riccheri Highway. With a wind chill of just 7 degrees Celsius (44°F), the love for the light blue and white colors prevailed over the Buenos Aires winter chill.
Even though no official celebration was scheduled, the players, on their own initiative, decided to board an open-top bus to greet the crowd. On their way to the AFA (Argentine Football Association) premises, the footballers threw jerseys, clapped, and shared a moment of immense emotion with the people, accompanied by fireworks and chants.
Some stars did not return with the delegation and went directly to their clubs or vacations:
An hour and a half after the plane landed, the players entered the Lionel Messi AFA Complex, where they reunited with their families, who had traveled on an earlier flight. The squad shared a dinner at the concentration site, marking the end of an extensive 50-day adventure that led them to become World Cup runners-up. Although the pain of not having won the third star is present, the identification and pride of an entire country for this team remain intact. #mundial-2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
