Argentina’s fanatical fans turned Times Square blue and white – then their team fought

“New York’s Times Square is one of the most recognizable sections of real estate in the world. It looked a lot different with Argentina fans in town. Police officers unfamiliar with Argentine football culture but accustomed to monitoring peaceful protests stood bewildered as midtown Manhattan turned into an Albiceleste street party. Tuesday’s ‘banderazo’, a pre-match tradition that encourages fans to fly flags and sing songs that honor the national team, proved that Messi and Argentina are still riding a euphoric wave since winning the World Cup in 2022. Are they now the most popular national team on the planet? …”
NY Times/The Athletic (Video)