SerpApi.Org
Lamine Yamal mocked Argentina as two million people crowded the streets of Madrid for Spain’s World Cup-winning party.
After Sunday night’s 1-0 extra-time win in the final, the Spain squad arrived back in their capital city on Monday afternoon following a flight from New York.
They were received by the Royal family at the Zarzuela Palace before continuing to the Moncloa Palace to meet prime minister Pedro Sánchez.
Yamal, who was earlier pictured smoking a cigar, held up a sign that referenced the brawl at the end of the match, which was triggered by Leandro Paredes, the Argentina midfielder. It read: “Velada del Año: Paredes vs Gavi”. La Velada del Año is a celebrity boxing event in Spain.
Argentina have been roundly condemned for their conduct after the match at the MetLife Stadium, in which Enzo Fernández was shown a red card.
Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal, was pictured wearing a “Make Spain Great Again” cap in a nod to Donald Trump’s slogan. The goalscorer posed for a picture from the open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid to a celebration at the Plaza de Cibeles.
The central government’s delegate in Madrid said close to two million people were in attendance.
King Felipe said: “You’ve suffered, you’ve come home bruised and tired, you’ve endured some criticism, but what is all that compared with the joy of bringing the cup home?”
Players drank a £1,000 bottle of red wine before the festivities and the jubilant team took it in turns to kiss the trophy. At the end of the event, players were introduced on stage while Borja Iglesias took a microphone and rapped and Marc Cucurella, the Spain and Chelsea defender, played the drums.
Speaking on stage, head coach Luis de la Fuente greeted the crowds, saying: “Thank you Spain for supporting us, for being here. We are lucky to have 26 fantastic people who are also fantastic footballers, the best in the world.
“For me, it is an honour to manage them and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together we are stronger, don’t forget that. Long live Spain!”
Spain’s captain, the Manchester City midfielder Rodri, said: “We are world champions. Long live the mother who gave birth to me, long live the mothers who gave birth to us. Long live the King. Long live Spain.”
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