Argentina’s president has promised a public holiday to celebrate the national football team, despite their defeat in the World Cup final amid controversy.

Spain clinched a 1-0 victory on Sunday with a goal in extra time, thwarting Argentina’s hopes of securing a fourth title and repeating their success from the previous World Cup.

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Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the final minutes after a match characterized by aggressive play against rival players.

The Argentine team left the field with a sense of disgrace after the match concluded, as defender Nahuel Molina seemed to lash out at Spanish captain Rodri, while Leandro Paredes jabbed Eric Garcia in the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground.

In the wake of the match, Argentine president Javier Milei quickly acknowledged the squad’s efforts, stating on social media that the players and staff would choose a date for the public holiday.

“In response to the interest surrounding the celebrations for the achievement of the Argentine National Team, I inform the public that, depending on the decision made by the players and technical staff regarding the celebration day, a national holiday will be declared,” he stated.

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Milei also expressed gratitude towards the players, saying, “Until the end with our boots on. Argentina always at the top.”

The team struggled against Spain in the final, failing to register a single shot on target during the match and holding only 32 percent of the possession.

A YouGov poll revealed that 66 percent of Britons supported Spain in the final, compared to just seven percent for Argentina, following Argentina’s victory over England in the semi-final.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer had considered declaring an extra bank holiday if England had won the tournament, prior to their exit with a 2-1 loss.

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The Argentina team might face disciplinary action from FIFA for displaying a banner supporting their territorial claim to the Falkland Islands during their post-match celebrations against England.

This issue even prompted the White House to defend Argentina’s right to “make those statements” in the US, emphasizing First Amendment rights. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA task force, made the remarks during a press briefing.

The UK government responded to the banner incident by affirming, “the World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”

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Following England’s defeat in Atlanta, Downing Street shared that Sir Keir Starmer wished success for both teams in the final, particularly noting Spain.

Despite the loss, many Argentines expressed satisfaction with the team’s journey, particularly following their emotionally charged semi-final against England, which held significant historical weight due to past conflicts.

As Ornella Godoy, a 24-year-old publicity worker, noted after watching the final with friends, *”Of course, it’s a very bitter sensation, but we still beat the British; Messi had been missing that.”*