Lionel Messi and his teammates are heading home from the World Cup after losing by the odd goal in seven to an impressive France side, a result that has left fans back home in a state of shock.
Kylian Mbappe was the difference between the two sides. His two goals, along with an assist for Antoine Griezmann’s early penalty, were central to France’s 4-3 win and, while all of France will tonight celebrate becoming the first side to reach the quarter finals of Russia 2018, the reaction back in Argentina is a whole lot more somber.
Fans gathered to watch the pivotal clash in a rain-soaked Buenos Aires and after initial early promise brought on by Argentina’s brief lead, their hopes came crashing back down to earth after Mbappe’s second-half intervention.
The investigation into Argentina's below-par World Cup will begin in earnest the moment their flight touches down on Buenos Aires soil, with changes almost a certainty on the pitch as well as in the coaching team but those questions will be answered in time; for now, Argentinian football fans are in a state of mourning.