Argentina’s World Cup heroes helicoptered as street party spills

Millions of euphoric supporters swarmed the streets of Buenos Aires on Tuesday (Wednesday, December 21, Manila time) and brought the city to a stop, prompting Lionel Messi and his teammates to be taken away on helicopters to continue the festivities.

The players who won Sunday’s World Cup final in Qatar were unable to approach the central Obelisco monument because the road was entirely blocked by an estimated four million people or more, according to local media.

Due to security concerns prompted by social media images showing some supporters attempting to board the team bus as it drove under a bridge, the eight-hour journey was cut short. The players were carried to helicopters from their ceremonial bus.

“The world champions are flying over the full route in helicopters since the explosion of excitement made it impossible for them to continue on land,” tweeted presidential spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti.

Television photos depicted crowds queuing outside the Obelisco and on neighboring roadways to catch a sight of their champions’ homecoming.

Matias Gomez, a 25-year-old metalworker, said, “It’s insane, it’s amazing, and it’s the best thing that can happen to you in life.”

“It is a tremendous pleasure to see all these joyful individuals together, holding hands and exchanging hugs and kisses. Today, we are all one.”

Tuesday morning, early hours, the crew landed at Ezeiza airport. Despite the fact that it was approximately 3 a.m. local time, many waited with banners, flags, and fireworks and howled with glee as Messi and his teammates ended Argentina’s 36-year World Cup drought.

By lunchtime, millions of people had already gathered in downtown Buenos Aires, and key highways were closed for the march. People displayed Messi and Diego Maradona flags, performed instruments, and climbed lampposts and bus stops.

After the players went off in helicopters, the roads began to clear, and several onlookers were upset not to see the squad.

Since Argentina’s thrilling triumph over France in the World Cup final in Qatar, Buenos Aires has been in party mode, which has helped conceal the country’s economic troubles, including one of the world’s highest inflation rates.

The penalty shootout victory gave the nation global champions for the first time since Maradona won the title in 1986 and the third time overall.

Messi, 35, has enhanced his status as one of the greatest players of all time with Argentina’s 4-2 victory over France on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw in extra time.

He has stated that it was his final World Cup match, but he wants to play a few more games for his national team.

At times throughout the southern hemisphere summer, it has felt as if the entire nation has been partying through the night beginning on Sunday, with motorists often honking their horns in celebration.