Argentina fans celebrated across the country after the national team beat England 2-1 with two late goals to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
In Cutral Co, Neuquén province, about 300 residents watched the semifinal beside an 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi before the crowd grew to several thousand after the final whistle.
Fireworks exploded around the monument as supporters marked Argentina’s comeback victory in Atlanta.
Local resident Lucas Romero described the result as “a victory of suffering” and said the statue recognised Messi’s contribution to Argentine football.
⚽ Argentina beat England 2-1 to advance to the #WorldCup final, with supporters marking the win amid historic rivalry https://t.co/WmcAHP7jpK pic.twitter.com/RAub3BSq6A
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 16, 2026Artist Aldo Beroisa created the 26-metre monument, which Cutral Co inaugurated in June and described as the world’s tallest statue of Messi.
Celebrations also spread through Buenos Aires, where supporters waved flags, chanted and sounded car horns after streets remained largely empty during the match.
University professor Mariano Gecik said the victory reflected Argentina’s resilience after another difficult knockout game.
Read: Argentina Beat England 2-1 as Lautaro Seals Final Spot
Falklands War veterans gathered for a watch party in Quilmes, Buenos Aires province. Veteran Juan Carlos Salinas became emotional while describing the significance of the result.
The semifinal carried added historical weight because of the countries’ World Cup rivalry and the 1982 Falklands conflict, known in Argentina as the Malvinas War.
Argentina will face Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The defending champions are seeking the first consecutive World Cup titles since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
