Journalism of Courage
Fans and supporters of Argentina's national football team celebrated with joy and enthusiasm after their team defeated France and lodged a victory at the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar. Fans in Kolkata went all out, with cakes and processions to cheer for Argentina. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
Football fans had gathered in various places all over the country, to cheer for their teams in the roller-coaster match. Here is a match-viewing party from Alliance Francaise in Chandigarh. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)
After Argentina's win, videos of people lining up in the streets of Kerala with Argentinian flags and bursting crackers have gone viral. (PTI)
Fans in Kolkata, where the football fever was high, celebrated Messi's goals on large screens and with lots of cheer. (PTI)
Fans of Lionel Messi were particularly enthused, as the maverick footballer had earlier hinted that it would be his last World Cup. Here are some fans from Kolkata. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
Messi, 35, opened the scoring through a penalty in the 23rd minute to give Argentina the lead and then Angel Di Maria finished a superb counter-attacking goal to make it 2-0 inside 36 minutes. Fans in Kochi were overjoyed with their idol's performance. (AP)
Despite France's Kylian Mbappe upsetting Argentina's chances momentarily with two goals in quick succession, Messi's goal in overtime back hope for the team and its fans. Here are fans in Kochi carrying a cut-out of Messi. (PTI)
Meanwhile, at the French Embassy in Delhi, scenes of hope and heartbreak were witnessed. “It was a wonderful match, with many ups and downs. Our players were outstanding. Of course, I would have preferred a French win, but it was still beautiful, the atmosphere was amazing," French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain told The Indian Express. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)
