Argentina President announces national holiday to honour La Albiceleste‍‍`s World Cup campaign

Argentina President Javier Milei has announced that the country will observe a national holiday to honour the national football team following its runners-up finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement came after Argentina‍‍`s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, ending the team‍‍`s hopes of retaining the title it won in Qatar four years ago.

In a post on X, Milei said the date of the holiday would be determined in consultation with the players and coaching staff to allow supporters across the country to celebrate the team‍‍`s achievement.

"Given the public‍‍`s desire to celebrate the achievement of the Argentine National Team, I inform the people that the day chosen by the players and coaching staff for the celebration will be declared a national holiday," the president wrote.

In a separate message, Milei praised Lionel Scaloni‍‍`s squad for their determination throughout the tournament.

"Thank you, players. You fought until the very end. Argentina will always be at the top," he wrote.

The final also marked the end of another memorable World Cup campaign for Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024.

Spain secured the trophy after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, handing La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title and first since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

The victory also marked a major milestone for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who became a world champion at just 19 years of age. Spain‍‍`s triumph followed their UEFA Euro 2024 success, making them reigning champions of both Europe and the world.

Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Spain‍‍`s title-winning campaign was built on collective performances. Midfielder Rodri controlled games from the centre of the pitch and was later named the tournament‍‍`s best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove award. Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the tournament‍‍`s leading scorers with five goals.

Torres also etched his name into World Cup history by becoming the first substitute since Germany‍‍`s Mario Götze in 2014 to score in a World Cup final. He is only the second Barcelona player, after Andrés Iniesta in 2010, to score in football‍‍`s biggest match.

Spain topped Group H after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde before defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0. They went on to beat Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to reach the final.

In Sunday‍‍`s title decider, Spain dominated possession and created the majority of the chances, while Argentina managed only one shot on target. Argentina‍‍`s task became even more difficult after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in extra time following a second yellow card, allowing Spain to maintain control before Torres struck the winner.