‘Total happiness’: Argentinian Newcastle United fan group on country’s party madness after World Cup win

It wasn't to be for England at the World Cup 2022 but, with Argentina lifting the trophy in Qatar, some Newcastle United fans still have much reason to celebrate.

Earlier this year NewcastleWorld told the story of Toon Army Argentina, a group of Argentine Magpies fans who follow the club together from over 5,000 miles away.

The supporters’ group have over a dozen members in capital Buenos Aires, but black and white fans across the country have joined to stay in touch online and meet up to watch Newcastle games. Some have even made the trip over to the North East to watch the side play at St. James' Park.

Alexis from Toon Army Argentina takes a moment away from celebrations to relive the extraordinary win.

Q: Hi Alexis, thanks for taking a second from celebrations to catch up with us. What's it like in Argentina at the moment?

A: Argentina is in total happiness. Everywhere you look people are celebrating. It's a passionate country where love for the national team and club sides can help cure any worries. It's a country that has taken a lot of hits over the years and now can't stop celebrating. Everyone felt that this would be the year, that Messi would finally lift the World Cup.

Q: It was quite the final! How did it feel to be watching it as an Argentine?

A: When the match started I felt complete calmness. We had a game plan and mentality that was relentless for 75 minutes of the match, it was hard to believe that it could be snatched right from our hands - but if Argentina were going to do it, it would always have to be the hard way.

France, with the help of a world best like Kylian Mbappe, levelled the game in two minutes and everything fell apart. The rest of the game was pure nerves. When Martinez saved the ball in the 118th minute, I felt we were going to win.

Q: Have you been in contact with the other Newcastle fans part of Toon Army Argentina since the win?

A: We're talking on WhatsApp. Everyone is chatting on social media today, posting photos and videos of the celebration where people live. Everyone is really happy.

Q: If Newcastle were able to sign one of the Argentina stars, who would you love to see in black and white?

A: For me, the Argentine player I love the most is Enzo Fernandez, but his price will be really high and is maybe not quite what Newcastle need. Maybe Alexis MacAllister would be the one or Julián Álvarez. I'd love a Cristian Romero and Sven Botman pairing at centre-back too.