Argentina players abandon World Cup parade after fan jumps into open-top bus

A fan jumps into the bus from an overhead bridge

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The open-top bus had been brought to a standstill as fans spilled out onto the streets to celebrate Argentina’s first World Cup victory since 1986.

The head of the AFA, Chiqui Tapia, tweeted: “They don’t let us get to greet all the people who were at the Obelisco.

An estimated 4 million fans are celebrating in Buenos Aires

“The security agents that escorted us won’t allow us to move forward. A thousand apologies on behalf of all the champion players.”

A further statement from the organisation said: “The players will end the festivities by flying in a helicopter over the crowd of fans who gathered in the city of Buenos Aires to celebrate the victory in Qatar.

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“They made that decision after verifying that they could not continue advancing by bus in the middle of the crowd.”

President Alberto Fernandez declared a national holiday on Tuesday so the country could celebrate the victory.

Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate on the bus before being forced to abandon the parade

In the afternoon, fans began arriving at Buenos Aires airport and outside the AFA headquarters in the hope of getting a glimpse of the team.

On the long flight from Qatar, Messi held the World Cup while Nicolas Tagliafico posted a photo of the trophy buckled into a seat.

Argentina fans celebrate in Buenos Aires

The World Cup and the success of the squad has brought much-needed good news for a country that has been stuck in economic doldrums for years, is suffering one of the world’s highest inflation rates and where almost four in 10 people live in poverty.

Argentina fans converge on highways during the homecoming parade on Tuesday

Mr Fernandez retweeted several messages of congratulations for the World Cup victory from other world leaders, including Russian president Vladimir Putin.

“Thank you for this greeting President Putin,” Mr Fernandez wrote on Twitter after a telephone call with the Russian leader.

Lionel Messi takes pictures with his phone while celebrating on the bus

“Let the happiness that today unites Argentina with so many countries in the world serve as an example: our societies need unity and peace.”

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