Thiruvananthapuram | Even though Argentina's defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final disappointed its large fan base in Kerala, the match generated tremendous enthusiasm across the state, with politicians joining football lovers in congratulating the newly crowned champions.
Large crowds, including women and children, gathered at public screening venues organised in various parts of the state to watch the final.
Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final held in the US.
Youngsters supporting Spain also took out celebratory motorbike and car rallies after the match.
The state government has announced a holiday on Monday for educational institutions, as the World Cup final ended early in the morning.
Most political leaders, including Chief Minister VD Satheesan, followed the World Cup final and posted congratulatory messages soon after Spain's victory.
In a Facebook post around 4 am, Satheesan congratulated La Roja, describing the triumph as well-deserved.
"A well-earned victory. Congratulations, Spain!" Satheesan said in a brief social media post, hailing the team's World Cup-winning campaign.
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan also congratulated Spain, describing football as an extraordinary force that unites millions of people across national boundaries through a shared emotion.
In an early-morning Facebook post, Vijayan said that another memorable World Cup, which had given football fans across the globe excitement, joy and unforgettable moments, had come to a close.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations to Spain, saying the team deserved the title after producing outstanding performances and attractive football throughout the tournament. Spain had once again stamped its authority on world football through its excellence, he said.
Vijayan also congratulated Argentina for its spirited campaign and impressive performances on the road to the final.
State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who had recently said he was a Brazil fan but would support Argentina in the final, also congratulated Spain on winning the World Cup.
In a message, Chennithala said Spain completely dominated the final to emerge as world champions.
He saluted Spain for its commanding display in the title clash and bid a warm farewell to Argentina, which fought with determination until the final.
He said football, beyond victories and defeats, teaches invaluable lessons of brotherhood and togetherness.
Describing the sport as the shared heritage of humanity, Chennithala expressed hope that football would continue to inspire and energise people across the world. "Long live the spirit of life," he added.
State Higher Education Minister Roji M John, a die-hard Argentina supporter, congratulated Spain on winning the FIFA World Cup, saying the team deserved the title after dominating the tournament from start to finish.
In a social media post, the minister said Spain had clinched its second World Cup crown after a 16-year wait. "Congratulations, Spain," he said.
John also hailed Argentina for its campaign, saying, "We shall meet again in 2030," expressing hope of another memorable contest between the two football giants at the next FIFA World Cup.
State Excise Minister M Liju, also an Argentina supporter, congratulated Spain on winning the FIFA World Cup, saying the Spanish side displayed complete dominance throughout the 120 minutes of the final.
In a social media post, Liju said the victory was a testament to Spain's exceptional quality and all-round performance.
The minister also expressed support for Argentina, saying he would now look forward to the next World Cup in four years with the South American side.
State Forest Minister Shibu Baby John described Spain's victory as well deserved and congratulated the team.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar also congratulated Spain on winning the FIFA World Cup, while describing the defeat as a heartbreaking moment for Argentina.
In a Facebook post, Chandrasekhar said Spain's triumph was a perfect example of what could be achieved by entrusting the next generation with responsibility.
He said the Spanish side had fearlessly fielded young talent on football's biggest stage and built a team capable of dominating world football for years to come.
Chandrasekhar also praised Argentina for fighting till the very end and said the team could take pride in its impressive campaign.
Describing the final as a fitting conclusion to a memorable World Cup, he congratulated Spain on its well-deserved victory.
CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty described the World Cup final result as "Spanish Spring" and shared a photograph of himself watching La Roja lift the trophy on television.
Minister A P Anil Kumar, an Argentina supporter, attended a public screening of the match.
He told reporters that Argentina failed to live up to expectations and that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had saved the team from suffering a much heavier defeat.
State Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh said that he will continue to support Argentina even if it has tasted defeat.
He attended the football match screening wearing Argentina's jersey.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, who watched the match at a live screening in New Delhi along with other party leaders, said Spain completely dominated the contest.
"It was total dominance by Spain in terms of possession and chance creation. We expected a comeback from Argentina. But we don't know what happened to the Argentina team and Lionel Messi. Spain deserved the victory," Baby, an Argentina fan, said.
