At the iconic Argentina monument, millions rejoice over their World Cup victory.

Football legend Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory on Sunday, making the nation’s economic woes “worth it,” according to ecstatic fans. Fans wearing the national blue and white colors sang, danced, and waved flags as fireworks exploded and car horns beeped.

The party raged long into the warm night on the banks of the River Plate, drawing an estimated two million people to congregate around the iconic Obelisk in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Messi scored twice against France, and the match ended 3-3 after extra time thanks to a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe for the defending champions.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stopped one penalty before Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty, sending Argentine players and supporters into raptures. Messi also scored in the shootout.

“This is everyone’s and these people’s happiness. Today was our day, and we now have the joy, “said Julio Berdun, a 50-year-old hotel receptionist from the capital’s Plaza de Mayo. Joel Ciarallo, 31, kept saying, “I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it,” even before the final was over.

Many fans found the championship game agonizing as Argentina blew a 2-0 halftime lead and was forced into extra time.

Similar to how the Netherlands defeated Argentina in the quarterfinals, France extended the game with two late goals.

For citizens of a nation that has endured years of economic turmoil due to spiraling inflation, watching the World Cup final and daydreaming about winning has been a much-needed exercise in escapism.