KUALA LUMPUR: As the curtain fell on another memorable FIFA World Cup final, Malaysian football fans found themselves either celebrating Spain’s dramatic victory or lamenting Argentina’s disappointing defeat.
For the thousands who attended the World Cup X Uniti Merdeka 2026 Fiesta watch party yesterday, the final whistle marked the start of celebrations for Spain supporters and heartbreak for Argentina fans after over two hours of nail-biting football.
The watch party saw thousands gather at Dataran Merdeka to catch the final live on Malaysia’s largest outdoor screen after a night of festivities.
Long before the kickoff, Dataran Merdeka was transformed into a football carnival filled with fans wearing jerseys, waving flags and enjoying fun-filled activities such as mini-game booths and food stalls.
The Uniti Merdeka Festival 2026 concert, featuring various local singers and performances, kept the crowd hyped before the final match began at 3am yesterday.
But once the match began, the sound of vuvuzelas and drums continuously rang out throughout the Kuala Lumpur night sky.
Supporters sang, chanted and cheered throughout the match until the only goal of the game was scored by Spain’s Ferran Torres in extra time, securing the full-time celebrations for La Roja supporters.
Spain supporter Ong Chun Ming, 30, arrived early with his girlfriend to enjoy the pre-match concert before the final.
“But the big thing was watching Spain win with such a big crowd,” he said after the watch party.
Nurse Ryna Yakub, 42, said she would take some time to sulk at home after having applied for two days off from work.
“Argentina’s performance was disappointing, but I am happy to see Messi play in what is likely his last World Cup game,” said Ryna, who drove to the watch party from her home in Shah Alam.
Meanwhile, other Malaysian football fans insisted their love for football is not seasonal.
Sub-editor Nor Aziah Mat Noh, 29, said her support for Argentina was closely linked to Lionel Messi and was never based solely on the team’s results.
She said Messi’s journey with Argentina, from painful defeats in major finals to eventually winning the Copa America and World Cup, showed the importance of resilience and perseverance.
For civil servant Hamizah Gunawan Esbi, 26, the final ended in heartbreak.
The devoted Argentina supporter admitted Argentina struggled to impose themselves against a disciplined Spanish side and credited goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for keeping the team in contention.
“I kept hoping Messi would produce one final magical moment, especially after we survived until extra time.
“Football brings people together, and that is the beauty of the game,” she said.
