The atmosphere in Argentina following their semi-final win against England was nothing short of electric. As the nation erupted in joy, our waiter at a Plaza de Mayo restaurant greeted us warmly, expressing admiration for Jude Bellingham. On the metro ride back from the fan zone, the excitement was palpable, with youngsters clad in Lionel Messi jerseys singing joyfully, “Tell them you’re Scottish,” in disbelief that their team was once again headed to a World Cup final.
Being an English observer amidst the sea of sky blue and white was an extraordinary experience. While covering England’s rugby union tour, I have witnessed numerous iconic sporting venues, but nothing compares to being in Buenos Aires after Argentina triumphed over England in football.
Everywhere you looked, the city was alive with celebration. Train operators joyfully honked their horns at underground stations, people danced in the streets, and elderly women waved flags from balconies high above the bustling traffic. My Argentinian friend jokingly suggested I claim to be Scottish for my safety in case England won, but thankfully, that concern was unnecessary.
For a moment, however, victory was uncertain. Picture a desolate library in the heart of Tierra del Fuego—it still wouldn’t rival the stunned silence that followed Anthony Gordon’s first goal for England. Forty years after Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God, Gordon’s Foot threatened to become just as legendary. For a brief time, it felt as if Buenos Aires had lost its very breath.
As we all know, the story concluded differently. Aside from the fan zone announcer’s crass remark about the ‘Malvinas’ and the burning of a homemade St George’s flag, the key takeaway is Argentina’s deep-seated passion for football. Vehicles adorned with national flags, Messi’s image on every billboard—despite claims from Mexico and Brazil, Argentina’s fervor is in a league of its own.
Anticipation for the final on Sunday is already building. Four years ago, when Argentina last claimed the World Cup, approximately four million people flooded the capital’s streets. The congestion was such that a planned open-top bus parade had to be scrapped, and the players ended up flying overhead in helicopters. One local resident humorously remarked, “El Que No Salta Es Un Inglés” when asked how long the public celebrations lasted.
Defeating England always adds an extra thrill. During my taxi ride into town from the airport this week, the driver playfully mimicked Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ gestures upon learning my nationality, all while speeding down a busy dual carriageway.
After ensuring we paid a significantly inflated fare because his meter
