Argentina – 2022 – Final – Champions – St Clair Avenue W
A legendary final for a legendary player and exciting end to this winter-themed tournament. Argentina World Cup fans in Toronto were treated to an epic battle, and after a relentless multiple comebacks from France, were finally able to celebrate on the streets of St. Clair West. With relief, after more than 16 years, I was actually able to celebrate again with the winning team in the final moments having been with the runner-ups in 2010 and 2018. The celebration was a little bit smaller than with the Italy fans in 2006, but the joy, flag waving and obligatory horn honking felt entirely familiar.
The game certainly delivered on action and drama. A game that looked like was going to be an easy win for Messi and Argentina, turned into a showcase for Mbappé, and and battle to the very last minutes of both regulation and extra time. The shootout delivered in drama as well, but to the relief of those gathered, a triumph for Argentina.
As can be expected, there was a France fan amongst the crowd. This is them after a late-in-the-game goal to tie it all up.
Determining the championship with penalty kicks is about as stressful a sporting moment in all of sport, and it was clearly demonstrated in the room.
Prevailing to win the championship, Argentina fans were naturally ecstatic, as from what I could tell, most of the people in the room would not be able to remember their last World Cup Championship in 1986.
Argentina World Cup fans in Toronto – Finals – Game Details:
Date: December 18, 2022
Score of game: Argentina 3 (4), France 3 (2)
Location: A.C. Ranch Sports Bar, 1220 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON
Estimated number of fans at location: 150
After the Game
After the game, the hard core and warmly dressed fans spilled out onto the street. Luckily, it wasn’t a particularly cold December day in Toronto, and the streets were not too busy.
I loved the drum circle that started, allowing for some nicely organized chanting, singing and well deserved celebrating.
The drive by flag waving was ever present.
As was the now obligatory selfie taking.
And that’s a wrap on the 2022 World Cup in Toronto. Hard to believe, in four years, the next World Cup will actually be on home soil!
