View from the other side: inside Argentina’s celebrations after semi-final win against England

<p>Watching England lose is one thing. Watching them lose surrounded by millions celebrating Argentina’s march to another World Cup final, is completely different</p><p>Look, most people were awfully good about it. Our waiter at a restaurant near Plaza de Mayo shook our hands warmly and said nice things about Jude Bellingham. On the metro ride back from the fan zone there was no massive gloating either, just bright-eyed kids in Lionel Messi shirts swept along by the nationwide euphoria. “Vamos, vamos, Argentina,” they sang, barely able to believe their team were once again in a World Cup final.</p><p>To be a stray English bystander in a city totally awash in sky blue and white was a rare privilege. Some of us covering England’s rugby union tour have been lucky enough to visit a few memorable sporting cauldrons, but to be in Buenos Aires after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/15/england-argentina-world-cup-semi-final-match-report">Argentina defeated England at a football World Cup</a> is right up there.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/16/argentina-england-celebrations-buenos-aires-world-cup">Continue reading...</a>