FIFA World Cup: Argentina Return to a Heroes' Welcome

They may have been defeated in the final but Argentina could still hold their heads high as the fans welcomed them like heroes.

They may have been defeated in the final but Argentina could still hold their heads high as the fans welcomed them like heroes.

FIFA World Cup 2014 Photos

FIFA World Cup 2014 Photos

July 15, 2014 08:59

Zoom

They may have been defeated in the final but Argentina could still hold their heads high as the fans welcomed them like heroes. (AFP Images)

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

To their adoring fans, the team were heroes for battling Germany to the bitter end of a nail-biting 1-0 defeat in extra time.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Thousands more fans lined the team's route from the airport, waving sky blue and white flags and swarming the convoy, which moved forward at a snail's pace.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Nationwide the atmosphere was one of pride as much as disappointment after the team played its first World Cup final since 1990 and Messi claimed the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

The fans waved the flags with pride as their heroes descended from the plane.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

They may be children, but this is one moment they will never forget in their lives.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Messi, who had his head down and a pained look on his face, did not speak to the media.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Tree buses that took them to be welcomed by President Cristina Kirchner at the nearby offices of the Argentine Football Association, an event that was closed to the media.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Argentines found consolation in knowing they had at least done better than arch rivals and hosts Brazil, who finished in fourth place.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

The Argentine president congratulated the team for their success at the FIFA World Cup.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

Mascherano took a pose with the president and also admitted he wished the outcome of the final could have been different.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit

Back to FIFA World Cup 2014 photos

South Africa

Korea Republic