​Nineteen people were taken into custody in Buenos Aires as celebrations swept across Argentina after the national team clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, sealing a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. Clarin reported that five police officers were injured in the mayhem, with two sustaining fractures amid the unrest.
Thousands gathered around the Obelisk to celebrate Lionel Messi and his teammates, turning large swathes of the city center into a party zone well into the night. Police sources cited by Clarin indicated that the trouble began when revelers hurled objects at officers attempting to clear the area after identifying intoxicated and violent individuals among the crowd.
The eruption of jubilation came as Argentina rallied from behind to win in the closing minutes, overturning a 2-0 deficit and igniting wild enthusiasm that fans hoped would propel the team further. However, the celebratory mood quickly escalated into violence in the capital, prompting arrests in the nearby provincial capital of San Miguel de Tucumán as well.
Media reports described clashes between fans and security forces, with authorities deploying rubber bullets to regain control and restore order. Five people were detained in connection with the disturbances, and two police officers sustained injuries, according to La Gaceta.
Similar incidents were reported in Mar del Plata, Córdoba, and Rafaela as celebrations spread across the country. Argentina is set to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, a fixture that has heightened anticipation among supporters amid the ongoing celebrations and the security measures in place to prevent further clashes.
The dramatic turn of the match against Egypt, marked by a late surge that overturned a two-goal deficit, has become a defining moment for Argentine fans, illustrating the passion surrounding this World Cup campaign. Authorities underscored the importance of responsible celebration as fans continue to rally behind Lionel Messi and the national squad in their bid for further glory in the tournament.