21.07.2026 12:00
Spanish pilot jokingly told Argentine fans they won the World Cup, but great shock ensued when the truth came out.
A video recorded after the World Cup final quickly went viral on social media. A Spanish pilot caused both surprise and controversy after convincing many Argentine fans on a plane that their team had won the World Cup, then revealing the truth.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 with a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time, winning their second World Cup championship in history, while Lionel Messi and his teammates suffered a huge disappointment.
In the footage, taken shortly after the match and viewed millions of times in a short period, passengers wearing Argentine jerseys on a night flight are seen celebrating joyfully after an announcement made by the pilot.
The pilot first built up the excitement through the plane's intercom system.
"The match was a great struggle until the last moment, including extra time. Both teams did their best, but unfortunately only one team can win the World Cup final," he said.
Then, with the words, "We want to congratulate our Argentine friends," he led the passengers on the plane to believe that Argentina had won the championship.
After these words, Argentine fans stood up with great enthusiasm, applauded, and began cheering.
However, in the continuation of the video, the pilot revealed the truth.
"The champion team is Spain," the pilot announced, and silence suddenly fell over the plane. The facial expressions of the passengers, who had been celebrating moments earlier, completely changed.
Harsh reaction from the Argentine press
Although the incident was seen as humorous by many users on social media, the Argentine press did not share the same view.
La Voz del Interior newspaper described the incident as a "cruel joke," stating, "While the World Cup final was ongoing, the Spanish pilot announced the wrong result, causing passengers to celebrate. He then said Spain was the champion, creating great disappointment."
Another Argentine news site evaluated the pilot's behavior as "terrible," commenting:
"The pilot not only displayed a questionable sense of humor but also set the stage for serious security issues on the plane after the truth came out. Passengers could have reacted to the pilot or even tried to go to the cockpit. This was a big mistake."
The airline company involved and the route of the flight have not yet been disclosed.
Tensions were high in the final
In the World Cup final, Argentina had to play the entire extra time with 10 men. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Argentine players, who lost the cup after Spain scored in extra time, could not contain their anger at the end of the match.
A major fight broke out between the players of both teams after the final whistle. Argentine Leandro Paredes received a red card for the scuffle, and it was claimed that the incidents started after Nahuel Molina allegedly punched Spain's captain Rodri.
It was reported that FIFA has also launched an official investigation into the incidents following the match.