Argentina's President Javier Milei said after the 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final that 'Argentina is always first,' according to reports. The statement came as Spain celebrated its second World Cup title, with Fran Torres scoring the extra-time winner.
Argentina's President Javier Milei was quoted late Monday, hours after Spain's 1-0 World Cup final victory, as saying 'Argentina is always first.' The statement, reported by multiple outlets, came as Spain celebrated its second World Cup title at the Lusail Stadium. The Zioneer reported earlier Monday that Fran Torres scored the extra-time winner in the 106th minute, securing Spain's victory.
The Zioneer tracked the final throughout the night. At 00:30 Jerusalem, we reported that a Spanish goal in the 95th minute was disallowed, keeping the score 0-0 at half of extra time. Moments later, we reported Spain's 1-0 win with a 106th-minute goal. At 01:10 Jerusalem, we provided a fuller account citing journalist Ben Goldfriend, naming Torres as the scorer and noting that Lionel Messi, in what is likely his last World Cup, was held scoreless. The match report was corroborated by multiple Israeli and international news outlets.
Spain's victory capped a dominant tournament run. As The Zioneer reported, Spain routed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the group stage, eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 (ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career), and beat Belgium 1-0 in the quarterfinals. Argentina, meanwhile, reached the final after a contentious semifinal win over England, during which players displayed a sign referencing the Falklands Islands—a matter The Zioneer covered on July 16.
Milei's statement has not yet been confirmed by the Argentine presidency, and the exact context of his remarks remains unclear. The quote is attributed to reports but has not been aired in full.
4 developments
- StrongMessi posts emotional statement after World Cup final loss, congratulates Spain
- StrongMilei recounts: I removed my lucky jacket for a moment, Argentina conceded a goal
- DevelopingArgentina's Milei says government 'getting closer every day' to regaining Falklands sovereignty
- DevelopingMilei to skip World Cup final, citing superstition over routine
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