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New York City – A few minutes after the final whistle, a party for La Roja fans began in Times Square.
For many, Spain’s victory over Argentina on Sunday, which kicked off a decisive campaign in football’s most famous competition, was more than just a victory.
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It marks the dawn of what could be a new golden era for Spanish football, led by the national team’s under-26 squad, and platinum forward Lamine Yamal, 19 years old.
“It’s like the future,” recalls Joanne Wasson, 33, who couldn’t help but see the symbolism of young Argentine Lionel Messi and baby Yamal.
“There was a picture of Messi washing Lamine (Yamal); now he is giving him the cup.”
To be honest, the finale was not an easy task. Spain may have dominated and outscored Argentina’s chances, but Messi’s side proved to be a tough opponent, holding 0-0 at the end of extra time.
Even Enzo Fernandez’s red card in the 93rd minute, which left Argentina with only 10 players, did not guarantee that La Albiceleste would die soon. That came 13 minutes later with Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute.
“Spain dominated the game from start to finish,” said 27-year-old fan Charlie Webster, a Spanish supporter from England.
They deserved to win, but Argentina knows how to lose games.
“Of course, every team that plays in Argentina is huge because of the fans that take them to every game,” he said. “But the best team wins”.
For 42-year-old Saray Monzon, who traveled from Spain to compete in the Games, the victory represented a deep nationalism.
“We are very proud of them,” he said of Spain’s young squad, which is also led by 23-year-old forward Pedri and 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi.
I think he represents everything that we as a country have.
Brian Lacey, who also left Spain for the game, saw a changing of the guard on football talent.
“It’s the beginning of an era,” he said. It’s a change of generation, because Messi is now over, and now it’s Lamine Yamal’s turn. “
“What’s next?” he was surprised. “The Euros? The next world championship?”
“In sports, at the top of the world is football. Spain is at the top of the world,” he said.
“We have to celebrate. Don’t look at the past, don’t look at the future, look at the fact that we are world champions”.
Argentina fans remember the end of the season
Argentina fans, meanwhile, were not only upset by the defeat of the competition, but the definitive end to the exile of the man credited with returning the country to its footballing glory days.
Argentina fan Lily, who declined to give her last name, held a Messi doll in her arms in Times Square.
“What he did, nobody did, not even Pele,” he said, referring to the Brazilian icon. “Pele has only been to two finals; Messi has taken us to three.”
He said: “He gave us a lot of happiness.
Marvin Reyes, a 22-year-old Argentine from New Jersey, described Messi’s actions as a major change for the national team, which interrupted the 36-year World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
“What did he do for the national team?” he asked. “Everything.”
“He gave them hope and he just stepped up as a captain,” Reyes said. “He really carried it on his shoulders to carry the team.”
Joaquín Martinez, 48, who hails from Argentina, reflected on how his 12- and 11-year-old sons knew no other team leader than Messi.
“For me, Maradona was everything, but for my children, he was Messi,” he said, referring to 1986 world champion Diego Maradona.
“Messi is Messi. The team will have a lot of work to do now that Messi will be gone,” he said.
“After today’s game, of course we are sad,” he added. “But this is football.”
