Buoyed by Lionel Messi's leadership, who cemented his legend four years ago in Qatar by winning the only title missing from his collection, Argentines, elated by the epic victory over the 'enemy' England, are hopeful of 'touching the sky' again as they face Spain on Sunday in New Jersey in the 2026 World Cup final.

While the ultimate dream is to retain the world title and add a fourth star to the national team jersey, Argentines are ready to celebrate on Sunday an exceptional generation regardless of the result.

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Even more so than during a crazy month of football that brought the country to a near standstill, Buenos Aires is decorated in white and sky blue, with images of players and flags everywhere—from shop windows to official buildings, balconies, cars, and even delivery bikes. In a country where murals glorifying the 'god' Maradona are widespread, with images of Messi also multiplying, cities and neighborhoods are organizing their own initiatives, from 'banderaso' (a festive gathering around the flag) to other meetings to show support for the national team from afar.

In Rosario, the birthplace of captain Messi, who seems ageless despite his 39 years, fans gathered under a giant 22-meter-long jersey, hoisted by a crane, bearing the number 10 and the phrase 'Thank you Leo, you are a legend'.

In the small town of Patán, 400 kilometers south of the capital, residents unfurled a giant flag measuring one kilometer in length, hand-sewn over weeks.

In fan conversations, the optimism based on 'garra'—the fighting spirit and toughness shown by the team—is matched only by the level of superstition and protective pessimism. Some refuse even to talk about the match for fear of 'mal de ojo' (the evil eye), which is taken seriously when it comes to football.

Daniel Conti, a 55-year-old merchant, told AFP: 'I see a landslide victory. A landslide like we've never seen before! I have a feeling we're going to witness a real show.'

- Milei cautious and distant -

Conti added: 'This team plays with the same passion as kids on dirt fields and neighborhood courts... Spain is a strong team with a consistent style of play, but it doesn't have this hunger.'

Gabriel Sosa, a 63-year-old electrician, interrupted him, saying without joking: 'I don't talk about Sunday at all, I don't even mention the thing we dream of,' adding, 'We don't tempt fate! There's still a long way to go and the challenge is huge.'

Even President Javier Milei announced that, out of superstition, he will not travel to the United States for the final and will watch it, as he has done since the start of the World Cup, in the screening room inside the presidential residence in Olivos, the northern suburb of Buenos Aires.

Asked by a journalist from Radio El Observador on Thursday whether he would go to the United States, Milei replied firmly: 'No, absolutely not. I will continue watching the matches from Olivos as I have done from day one.'

When the journalist asked if that was a 'cábala' (a superstitious ritual or habit believed to bring luck), referring to the rituals that Argentines take very seriously and seek to repeat, especially in football, so as not to break the streak of luck or victories, Milei replied curtly: 'Yes.'

But it is not just superstition; it also involves political caution. It is difficult, and perhaps even politically unwise, to get too close to King Messi and the national team, which are among the few topics, along with the Falkland Islands, that unite Argentines.

For this reason, Milei vowed that politics 'must not hijack the joy of Argentines' or 'a success that belongs to this exceptional group of players.'

- Guaranteed crowds upon return -

But if the Argentine Football Association wishes, the 'Casa Rosada' (presidential palace) will be available and 'empty'—meaning without Milei—for a possible greeting by members of the 'Albiceleste' from the balcony overlooking the famous Plaza de Mayo.

The government was also considering declaring Monday a public holiday, regardless of the result, in anticipation of the enthusiasm that will accompany the return with a fourth world title or staying with a third.

In 2022, the world champions received an exceptional welcome, with between four and five million people lining the bus route from the Argentine Football Association headquarters to the center of Buenos Aires, a distance of 32 kilometers.

The crowd at that time was enormous and unprecedented in the memory of Argentines, to the point of paralyzing the players' bus, which had to abandon its journey after taking four hours to cover just a few kilometers.

The procession ended that day... with a helicopter flying over the crowds gathered in the city center.

Many, perhaps hundreds of thousands of Argentines, will again take to the streets on Monday.

Daniel Salcedo, a 36-year-old maintenance worker, told AFP: 'The vast majority, and I am one of them, will go to welcome them because of what they have already achieved,' referring to two Copa América titles since 2021, the World Cup triumph, and... the victory over England.

He added: 'I feel proud, and above all I feel that they represent me. It won't change anything if they win or lose.'

His brother Néstor said: 'If they win, we will touch the sky again, and if they lose, it will be painful, but the respect and gratitude will remain the same.'