Arnett Gardens Mock Funeral Collapses as Argentina Rallies to Beat Egypt 3-2

A cardboard coffin draped in Argentina colours was already in motion, mourners wore black, and France supporter Ross Smith said the grave had been dug. By the time Lionel Messi and Argentina were finished, the mock send-off planned for Arnett Gardens was called off.

Residents began marching with the flag-wrapped casket shortly after Egypt scored their second goal in yesterday's World Cup last-16 clash. A similar scene played out on Sunday when Brazil's fierce rivals were also 'laid to rest' following their loss to Norway.

With Egypt leading 2-0, the defending champions looked finished, and some Brazil and France supporters were ready to send Messi and his team packing.

"There is a spot for them there. We dig the grave already and build the casket," Smith told THE STAR.

Smith said he had no interest in another Argentina-France showdown.

"A France a my team, and the last World Cup it was France and Argentina that went to the final," he said. "This year is France final, definitely. Say no more."

The scene in Arnett Gardens unfolded like pure football theatre. Some residents stepped out in funeral-style clothing, including black jackets and suits, while others laughed and shouted as the casket moved through the area.

One Brazil supporter helping to carry it was convinced another football giant was about to fall.

"Go home!" she shouted. "Dem too hype. Think Messi a balla."

For a while, the procession carried the energy of a victory parade. The group planned to march along Collie Smith Drive, treating Argentina's 'burial' as both joke and justice for rival fans.

Then Argentina scored, and the mood shifted. When the score reached 2-2, the mock funeral suddenly lost its rhythm. The casket was placed on the ground in a corner, the march paused, and sections of a packed sports bar began to empty.

Disappointment showed on the Brazil supporter's face.

"Dem fi go home. Look how dem drag we go over deh Sunday," she said, referring to her team's mock farewell days earlier.

Smith, however, was not ready to abandon his prediction. He insisted that even if Argentina survived Egypt, their burial was only delayed.

"Them burial spot deh down deh same way, because them eventually ago lose. Nothing cya change," he said. "Egypt a good side, but Argentina done today."

Argentina were not done. The defending champions completed a dramatic 3-2 comeback, leaving rival fans holding an empty casket.

Across the Corporate Area, Argentina supporters lived every second of the drama. One 'pallbearer' paused his work to celebrate the team, his bicycle decorated with more than 10 Argentina flags.

"I am an Argentine, but the black one," he said. "From Maradona days back deh so, from we a go school, a Argentina we seh."

Even though he was on the job, he said the match had his full attention. He felt Messi needed more support up front but had faith in the Argentine captain.

"If is even Messi alone ago carry we through, so be it," he said.

For him, the rivalry with France remains one of the biggest storylines of the tournament.

"I know France supporters have a vengeance for we. It was we and them, then we kicked them out. They would want to see we in the finals and we woulda want see them too," he said. "Is not Argentina versus France. Is Messi versus Mbappé."

At another spot, Argentina supporter Odame Duffus laughed at Brazil fans taking pleasure in Argentina's struggles.

"Brazil dead and gone, and them still a take set pan we," he said. "But guess wah? A one Lionel Messi."

When the match ended, Shan, another Argentina supporter, ran through the area with pot covers in hand and blue in her hair.