How did Argentines react to the World Cup final loss to Spain?

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Argentines welcomed the team home in large numbers and still celebrated their World Cup run despite losing 1-0 to Spain

Most of Argentinas squad returned to Buenos Aires on Monday after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, and thousands of fans waited at Ezeiza airport in cold and rain to welcome them with flags and blue-and-white umbrellas. Many supporters framed the result as disappointing but still expressed gratitude for the teams performance, with some urging Lionel Messi not to quit playing for Argentina. Thousands also partied for hours at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening, even as brief clashes later broke out and police dispersed revellers with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets, detaining 15 people.
Fans greeted the squad at Ezeiza despite the rain and cold
The airport authority said most of the team landed back home on Monday, and the Argentine Football Association had earlier indicated that some squad members would not be on the flight. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were welcomed with a red carpet outside the aircraft and a military band, while thousands of fans waited outside the AFA near the airport. Supporters draped themselves in flags and used umbrellas to shield themselves from drizzle as they welcomed the players.
Supporters thanked the team and Lionel Messi, even after the 1-0 defeat
While Argentines did not get the homecoming they had hoped for, many still turned out to thank the team for its performance after losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. Housewife Marga Ledezma, 36, said Argentines would celebrate anyway and thanked Messi for “all the years he made us happy,” urging him not to quit playing for Argentina. Other fans also expressed a mix of sadness at the loss and appreciation for what the squad achieved.
Many fans said the real victory was the semi-final win over England
Some supporters pointed to the 2-1 semi-final win over England as the real victory, rather than the final result. Leonardo Barrientos, 36, said the team united Argentines and that they should be grateful “rain or shine,” adding that he wanted to thank Messi and said he gave it his all. The semi-final win came amid a lingering dispute between the countries over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.
Celebrations at the Obelisk continued, but clashes led to detentions
Thousands of Argentines headed to the traditional celebration point at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening and partied for hours with fireworks and gratitude for the team. Late at night, brief clashes broke out at the monument, and police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse revellers. Police sources said 15 people were detained.

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How did Argentines react to the World Cup final loss to Spain?

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