The match carried significant political undertones; however, with the Falklands War a point of controversy in the South American nation. That was clear to see when players celebrated with a flag that was brought out at full-time, mocking England and claiming that the Falklands belonged to Argentina. More flags hit the streets of Buenos Aires as supporters took great pride in overcoming their fierce rivals, going so far as to set fire to English flags, while a coffin was carried while a Union Jack was placed on top of it.
During their festivities in the capital, fans were photographed torching English flags while a coffin covered in a Union Jack was also paraded as thousands flooded the streets.
Messi became increasingly influential, and after Enzo Fernandez levelled in the 85th minute, they continued bombarding the England goal and secured their winner in stoppage time.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has his sights set on a second World Cup triumph, which would further solidify his legendary status.
He paid tribute to those back home in Argentina who are facing difficult times, expressing his hope that the victory brought them some much-needed happiness.
“We are proud and happy to be able to give this to the people, we know that the World Cups are special for us,” he said. “We forget all the bad things we have to go through, there are people who have a hard time, who don’t have a job, who don’t make ends meet, it’s our life, what we’ve always had to deal with, it’s beautiful to be able to give this joy to them.
“We Argentinians always demand more. If we had lost to England today, there would have been people saying stupid things, and we didn’t give them the chance… we knew that we were better than them at football, but it’s still special because of everything it means.”