Thousands of people celebrated at Buenos Aires’ famous Obelisk in the early hours of Monday morning after Argentina’s historic Copa América title win over Colombia.
But the mostly peaceful party ended abruptly after more than four hours when police deployed water trucks and officers to clear the streets, causing a rush of people. Some fans hurled stones at the police but many dispersed in the face of advancing riot police.
City Hall later said that seven people were arrested and 12 police officers were injured. Two motorbikes and several rubbish bins were set on fire. Some shop windows in the area were also broken.
The alleged starting point for the clashes was an attempt by some fans to enter the Obelisk itself. Clashes then developed between police and fans.
The celebrations, however, were also marred by the death of a fan who, before the match, started climbing a structure in front of the Obelisk to wave a flag. He lost his balance and fell six metres. Firefighters later removed the body of the 29-year-old victim.
Earlier in the morning, the mood had been one of pure celebration.
Chanting "Dale campeón!", thousands of fans draped in light blue-and-white flags partied around the city's iconic monument despite the freezing temperatures, dancing, drinking and singing songs.
"We are champions of America, let's enjoy this precious moment that is unique for us since we have the chance to celebrate with the greatest who is ...Messi and the farewell of 'Fideo' [Angel] Di Maria," said Pablo Inigo as he celebrated.
The celebration of the Triple Crown was also joined by passing motorists along Avenida 9 de Julio who honked their car horns as they passed and waved Argentine flags.
President Javier Milei congratulated the two-time America's champions posting "Vamos Argentina carajo..!!!!! We are champions again...!!!!" on social platform X.
Milei said Monday he would like to invite the team to celebrate the title win on the balcony of the Casa Rosada before fans, but it seems not all of the players will return to Buenos Aires after the conclusion of the tournament.
Messi, for one, is expected to stay in Miami, where he lives with his family and a number of other players are going straight on holiday with their families.
"I would love to welcome them, but it is their decision. I respect whatever decision they make," Milei said in a radio interview.
He clarified: “If they want to use the balcony, I will let them use it. If they are willing to receive me and greet me, it would be a pleasure. It is a decision they have to make. It is a triumph for them.”
Milei said he had watched the game with his sister, presidential chief-of-staff Karina Milei, and Economy Minister Luis Caputo.
"We had to grit our teeth, we suffered, but with Lautaro's goal it was impressive,” said Milei,
The win was the Argentine's third straight major tournament title following their 2021 Copa victory and triumph in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Earlier in the night, after a long delay to kick off, several hundred people had gathered at the site to follow the game but it was not broadcast on the screens, and they had to settle for watching it on their phones. Others crowded the surrounding bars and cafes huddling around TV sets.
At the final whistle celebrations moved to the streets, with many children out with their families enjoying the festivities in the midst of the winter school holiday.
– TIMES/AFP
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