Three people have died and dozens more have been injured across Argentina after gatherings to salute the national team, beaten by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, descended into tragedy and violent clashes.
The South American nation had poured into streets and squares to honour Lionel Messi’s side despite the 1-0 defeat at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – but what began as defiant support turned in several cities into scenes of grief, accidents and confrontations with police.
Authorities say around 20 people were hurt in incidents linked to post-match gatherings, while at least 12 people were arrested in Buenos Aires after clashes near the city’s iconic Obelisk.
Fatalities in Rosario, Neuquen and Buenos Aires
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that three people died in separate incidents during and after the final between Argentina and Spain.
In Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, a 45-year-old woman was killed after falling from the cargo bed of a small truck during a celebratory convoy.
Reports said the victim, identified as Erika Silvana M, fell onto the road and suffered a severe head injury, dying at the scene despite efforts to assist her.
In the city of Neuquen, one man died and three others were seriously injured when fireworks exploded unexpectedly in the middle of a crowd of fans after a march had ended.
Local police said the fireworks went off close to a group of people, with the wounded taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances and causes of the blast.
In the capital Buenos Aires, a 67-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack while watching the final between Argentina and Spain on television.
Medical emergencies and serious injuries
Emergency services in Buenos Aires were also called to multiple medical incidents linked to the tension and mass gatherings surrounding the match.
An 88-year-old man in the Caballito district suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest but was resuscitated by paramedics before being transferred to hospital. Another man, aged 72, was taken to a different hospital after experiencing serious breathing difficulties.
Overall, officials said around 20 people were injured during the post-match gatherings marking Argentina’s second-place finish at the tournament.
Among the most serious cases was a 47-year-old man who fell from a height of around four metres near Avenida 9 de Julio in central Buenos Aires, suffering a fracture and dislocation in his foot.
Emergency medical system officials (SAME) reported they also treated several people for minor injuries linked to crowd surges around giant public screens set up for fans to watch the final. Two young men were treated for alcohol poisoning.
Clashes with police in the capital
What started as a show of solidarity with the beaten finalists in Buenos Aires escalated when crowds converged around the Obelisk, the traditional focus for football celebrations in the city.
Security forces arrested at least 12 people after disturbances broke out as officers moved in to disperse fans gathered in the area.
The police intervention triggered clashes with groups of supporters, who hurled bottles and other objects at officers. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas in an attempt to regain control of the situation and clear the streets.
Despite the disappointment of losing the World Cup final, tens of thousands of Argentines had initially taken to the streets across the country to express pride in the team’s run to the showpiece. However, the combination of large crowds, fireworks, alcohol and high emotion turned pockets of those tributes into a night marked by death, injury and confrontation.
