"Messi Is Coming" Holiday Designated on the 20th When the Argentina National Team Returns

Emergency Presidential Decree Designates Public Holiday
"A Measure to Express the Joy of the Whole Nation"

The Argentine government has declared a public holiday on the 20th (local time), the day the national football team returns home.

The Argentine government explained the purpose as "a way for the entire country to express deep joy for the national team," Reuters reported.

The Argentina national football team will return at 2 a.m. on that day.

However, out of Argentina's 23 provinces, 4 provinces oppose the designation of a public holiday due to concerns about year-end business disruptions, leading some to criticize it as a 'half-hearted' holiday.

Argentinian football player Lionel Messi

Meanwhile, from noon on the day of their return, the Argentine team plans to hold a caravan parade carrying the championship trophy from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training center near Ezeiza International Airport to the Obelisk located in the city center.

As news of the team's parade plans spread, a large crowd has already gathered in the city since the evening of the 19th, with citizens planning to 'stay overnight' at the Obelisk.

Argentina team captain Lionel Messi said, "I want to go and see how passionate Argentina is," adding, "I can't wait to go back and enjoy the joy with them."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.