The streets of Lionel Messi’s hometown of Rosario erupted in celebration after Argentina defeated France in the dramatic final to win their third World Cup title.
In Short
- Hundreds of thousands of Argentines poured into the streets of Rosario
- People began to arrive as soon as Messi lifted the international trophy
- Argentina won their third World Cup title after beating France in final
Hundreds of thousands of Argentines poured into the streets of Rosario, Lionel Messi’s hometown, after Argentina won their third World Cup title after beating France, the defending champions, 4-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 after extra time.
People began to arrive as soon as Messi lifted the international trophy and stayed late into the evening as the local football rivalry between Central and Newell’s was put on hold as the entire city celebrated the national team’s victory.
Argentina’s three goals in the World Cup final against France were all scored by Rosario natives, including Messi, who came up from local team Newell’s Old Boys, and Angel Di Maria, who previously played for rival local team Rosario Central.
There was tension and nerves ran high after the final headed towards the penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw in extra time. France’s Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty kick and then Messi converted his penalty kick for Argentina.
Two more goals from Argentina and two unsuccessful shots from France meant the next goal would finish the game. Some Argentines hung their heads, and others prayed. The final penalty kick from Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel sealed Messi’s side’s glory as the ball got stuck in the net.
“We’re champions, which is all we wanted, more than anything for (Messi) and for the whole team,” Santiago Ferraris, a Rosario resident, was quoted as saying by the news agency AP.
“It’s madness. It surpassed my expectations with so many people on the same wavelength, everyone celebrating. That’s what’s most beautiful about today,” said Jeremias Regolo, 26, who joined the celebrations at the National Flag Memorial.
“Argentina deserved this happiness, beyond everything bad that is happening in the country,” Rodrigo Medina, 21, said. “The Rosario boys have always shown they’re up to the challenge.”
