Buenos Aires, Dec 18, (dpa/GNA) – Millions of people in Argentina, have frenetically celebrated, as Lionel Messi led the nation to the World Cup title in Qatar, after a 4-2 shoot-out win over France on Sunday.
TV footage and pictures shared on social media, showed the empty Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the main avenues in Buenos Aires, while thousands gathered around the Obelisk to celebrate the title.
Traffic was interrupted in the area, while bus services were stopped and most shops in the city closed earlier.
The first World Cup title since 1986, sparked excitement in every corner of the football-passionate country, which for years has been plagued by a strong economic crisis and high inflation.
Many fans, such as Argentina’s President Alberto Fernández, held on to their superstition traditions, in order not to jinx Messi and the other players.
Fernández watched the game at home, as Argentinian heads of state have preferred to stay away from the stadiums since the team lost 1-0 to Cameroon at the start of the 1990 tournament, in the presence of then president Carlos Menem.
“Like millions of my countrymen, I will enjoy the World Cup final at home,” Fernández tweeted.
GNA