Lionel Messi Brings Euphoria to Beleaguered Argentines

Argentina’s third World Cup title, following a match set to go down as an all-time classic, generated a rare moment of euphoria for a country battered by near three-digit inflation and facing months of economic and political uncertainty.

Joyous fans, decked out in the national flag’s sky blue and white colors, gathered in downtown Buenos Aires Sunday afternoon to celebrate a victory that, at times, appeared likely to slip from the team’s grasp. Winning soccer’s ultimate prize, Argentina’s first in 36 years, provided a much-needed distraction from the misery of day-to-day life.