Argentine soccer fans flocked to Buenos Aires iconic Obelisk to celebrate their World Cup second place on Sunday (July 19), after Spain beat 1-0 the defending champions.

Despite the loss, fans gathered at Plaza de la Republica, waiving flags, chanting and dancing.

Soccer fan Isaac Lambaro said the national soccer team demonstrated grit until the last minute of the tense match, that was played at New York New Jersey Stadium, in the U.S.

Meanwhile, Damian Ibarra said that the victory wasn't the most important aspect for him, but rather seeing his team "beat their best version" with their victory against England in the semifinals.

Argentina's right-wing president Javier Milei took to social media to announce his government will declare a national holiday to celebrate the soccer team's second place, with the date to be set once players and coaching staff decide when to hold celebrations.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (JULY 19, 2026) (REUTERS - Access All)

1. VARIOUS AERIAL VIEWS OF OBELISK WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED AND FIREWORKS

2. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE ARRIVING AT OBELISK

3. ARGENTINE FANS SINGING AT OBELISK

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SOCCER FAN, ISAAC LAMBARO, SAYING:

"What was not lacking here was grit, nothing was lacking, we put in until the last minute, they were always playing and the lads gave everything. The happiness they gave us in the previous match, a huge showing. I mean, I am more than grateful."

5. VARIOUS OF FANS CELEBRATING

6. FAN CLIMBED ON A LAMPPOST AT OBELISK WITH ARGENTINE FLAG

7. VARIOUS OF ARGENTINES SINGING WITH LIT FLARES

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SOCCER FAN, DAMIAN IBARRA, SAYING:

"Losing or winning today did not matter because the national team showed much more than a victory. They showed they are a team that can go all in and can beat their best version, which are the English. It doesn't matter, today we hold our heads high and today is a party."

9. VARIOUS OF ARGENTINES CELEBRATING ARGENTINE NATIONAL TEAM'S SECOND PLACE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SOCCER FAN, DANIEL GONZALEZ, SAYING:

"We deserved to win this World Cup, but Spain also showed their worth. So, well, nothing, happy to have seen this team. This was a historic final and, well, the cup will have to be fought for in the next one."

11. VARIOUS OF ARGENTINES CELEBRATING AT OBELISK WITH FLAGS

12. AERIAL VIEWS OF OBELISK WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED AND FIREWORKS