In the absence of Messi, Argentina celebrates the “Copa America” champion

The Albiceleste players, who returned to Argentina, greeted the fans in front of the Football Association headquarters in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, from atop a bus, even though the bulk of the team remained in the United States, including captain Lionel Messi.
Star Angel Di Maria, who played his last international match, was among the players returning to the country, much to the delight of those celebrating.

Vendors offered shirts, hats, flags and stickers in the team’s colours, as well as other stickers bearing Di Maria’s name.
Thousands celebrated in the early hours of Monday around the iconic Obeliskpen memorial, despite freezing temperatures.

The party ended abruptly following more than four hours when police deployed fire trucks and officers to clear the streets, causing a stampede of people.
A number of celebrants threw stones at police, but many quickly dispersed in front of riot police, while authorities reported no arrests or injuries.

The final match between Argentina and Colombia was delayed for 82 minutes due to chaos when fans stormed the stadium gates, causing some to fall to the ground and others to try to sneak in through the huge air conditioning ducts.

Source: “Media”