Spain’s capital buzzed with excitement on Monday, a day after the national team secured a thrilling 1-0 victory against Argentina in the World Cup final. Approximately one million fans took to the streets to celebrate the country’s second World Cup title in history. Players joined the festivities during a parade, yet some messages were provocative, notably from 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.
The young superstar drew attention by holding a banner that took a jab at Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was involved in a post-match altercation.
Lamine Yamal’s Banner References the Altercation
Yamal pointed to the camera with a banner that read “Velada del Año: Paredes vs. Gavi,” referencing a popular celebrity boxing match scheduled for Saturday at 19:00. His message sarcastically suggested that Paredes’ aggressive actions towards Gavi after Argentina’s defeat resembled a boxing match.
After being introduced in the second half of the final, Paredes instigated chaos as the match concluded. The tension escalated when Nahuel Molina hit Rodri in the abdomen as Spain celebrated their victory. Eric Garcia confronted Molina, which led Paredes to intervene aggressively, grabbing Garcia by the neck.
Paredes then physically attacked Gavi, who was already being restrained by Almada, bringing him down and striking his face during the heated moments.
Celebration in Madrid: A Million Strong
The world champions arrived back in Spain on Monday, landing at Madrid’s Barajas Airport around 14:30 local time. Captain Rodri emerged from the plane holding the trophy aloft, with his World Cup medal around his neck.
The team made a stop at the Palacio de Zarzuela, where they were greeted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Following this, they boarded a bus, where players sang, danced, filmed the crowd, and showcased the trophy to their fans. The final destination was Plaza de Cibeles, the traditional epicenter for grand football celebrations in Madrid.
Streets were packed with hundreds of thousands of people, with Spanish media estimates indicating that over one million attended the capital’s jubilant celebration.
