Argentina's World Cup team held an open-top bus parade in front of a massive crowd in Buenos Aires, despite losing to Spain in the final.
Despite losing 1-0 to La Roja on Sunday evening in front of more than 80,000 people at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Argentine side arrived back home with a hero's welcome.
A huge crowd had gathered in front of the Argentine Football Association's (AFA) training camp in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province, to see their team arrive back home for the first time in weeks.
Countless people waved Argentine flags and cheered when the open-top bus arrived.
One person was seen waving a banner that read 'Gracias Seleccion', referring to the national side's nickname.
But celebrations were marred by a pair of people who waved a banner that read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which translates as 'The Falklands are Argentine.'
A similar banner was also held by Argentina's players following their victory over England last Wednesday, which saw the Three Lions get knocked out of the World Cup.
Lionel Messi was seen dancing and cheering next to the banner, alongside Premier League stars Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Argentina's World Cup team held an open-top bus parade in front of a massive crowd in Buenos Aires, despite losing to Spain in the final
Argentina's national football team rides aboard an open-top bus as it arrives at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training camp in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, on July 20, 2026
It prompted a fierce response in London, where political figures including former PM Sir Keir Starmer called for a FIFA investigation into the matter.
FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but the body has previously turned a blind eye to acts which could be deemed to have breached its rulebook. Argentina had already been spotted singing - and posting to social media - a song about the 1982 conflict.
A FIFA spokesperson said before the final on Sunday: ‘As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.'
Argentina's side is also under fire for their behaviour after the match ended, with FIFA launching a different investigation into the behaviour of Argentina's bitter players after the World Cup final descended into violence.
The probe into the violent final-whistle scenes in New Jersey comes just as footage reveals the exact moment that sparked the ugly brawl.
Following the final whistle, a brawl broke out between the two sides, resulting in a red card for Leandro Paredes, which was later expunged from the record for unexplained reasons.
The Argentina midfielder was sent off for grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck and punching Gavi in the face before pushing him to the ground in appalling scenes at full time.
FIFA is set to launch an investigation into the violent behavior of Leandro Paredes and other Argentina players after the World Cup final descended into violent scenes
The move came after ugly scenes at the end of the game which Spain won 1-0 after extra time
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, center, surrounded by team members, waves to fans from a bus heading to the Argentine Football Association headquarters in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Monday, July 20, 2026
Fans of Argentina display a banner as officers guard them while they wait for players and coaching staff of Argentina to arrive at Predio Lionel Andres Messi after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, on July 20, 2026 in Ezeiza, Argentina
FIFA is now set to open disciplinary proceedings into Paredes' actions, with the role of other players and officials also set to be investigated, according to The Times.
Some of Argentina's players lost their heads as Spain's substitutes and staff ran on to the pitch to celebrate their victory.
Argentina's Nahuel Molina hit Spain captain Rodri in the torso as he was running by, resulting in the midfielder squaring up to his rival.
That saw players from both teams pile into the melee, before Paredes threw punches.
Elsewhere, 53-year-old assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also caught landing a punch on Spain's Dani Olmo at full time.
In the aftermath of the ugly brawl, DAZN Spain claimed Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi complained to Rodri about La Roja's pre-match comments alluding to officiating concerns ahead of the final.
The South Americans had benefitted from a series of questionable decisions heading into the showpiece event, with the Manchester City midfielder raising concerns before the final.
'You and [Spain team-mate Aymeric] Laporte. Both of you,' he said to Rodri.
'You spent the time crying and complaining about the referees, my friend. But you shouldn't have spoken before the match, you know that? Didn't you see what he said this week?'
Argentina held a banner reading 'The Malvinas are Argentine,' using the country's term for the South Atlantic islands, after they beat England in the World Cup semi-final
Some of Argentina's players lost their heads as Spain's substitutes celebrated the win
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni tries to intervene as Paredes clashes with Eric Garcia
Argentina players arrive in Buenos Aires after the final
Fans of Argentina cheer while riding a motorcycle, as other fans wait for players and coaching staff of Argentina at Predio Lionel Andres Messi after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, on July 20, 2026 in Ezeiza, Argentina
Following the game, the 2022 champions collected their silver medals from FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump on the stage but opted not to watch as Spain lifted the trophy – despite it being customary in finals of major tournaments.
Instead, the Argentina players, coaching team and staff walked over to the end where the majority of their fans were sat and turned their backs as their rivals celebrated.
Footage shows Spain players holding the World Cup trophy aloft as gold confetti explodes behind them, with the Argentina team facing the other way.