Northern Ireland

Argentine-born Belfast pub owner describes 'bonkers' celebrations at World Cup climax

Anna Stewart from Argentina looks on at the American Bar in Belfast before Messi scores a penalty. Picture by Mark Marlow
Anna Stewart from Argentina looks on at the American Bar in Belfast before Messi scores a penalty. Picture by Mark Marlow

CELEBRATIONS continued long into the night at one particular Belfast pub following Sunday's nerve-wracking finish to the 2022 World Cup that saw Argentina clinch victory in a penalty shoot-out.

At the American Bar in Belfast's Sailortown area, the popular Argentinian Quilmes beer was flowing as punters gathered to watch the final, with Lionel Messi's side taking on France at Qatar's Lusail Stadium.

Owned by Pedro Donald, who was born in Argentina to parents from Belfast, the bar was bedecked in Argentine flags and colours as fans - including several Argentinian visitors - cheered on the south American side.

Fans cheer on their side during Sunday's final. Picture by Mark Marlow
Fans cheer on their side during Sunday's final. Picture by Mark Marlow

Cheers as their side led 2-0 turned to gasps of shock as France forced a comeback that eventually saw an extra-time battle that finished 3-3 before the dreaded penalties.

They had gathered early at the venue, fuelled by homemade beef empanadas, an Argentine speciality, to watch what would become a dramatic finish to the tournament.

Mr Donald told The Irish News that the bar went "bonkers" when Gonzalo Montiel secured the win with the final penalty.

"It was packed out - people who knew I was from Argentina came down to watch here as they thought it would be the perfect atmosphere, and it was," he said.

"We even had one poor Frenchman who came in to watch, but he left at half-time."

The American Bar in Belfast, owned by Argentine-born Pedro Donald, was bedecked in blue and white during yesterday's final clash. Picture by Mark Marlow
The American Bar in Belfast, owned by Argentine-born Pedro Donald, was bedecked in blue and white during yesterday's final clash. Picture by Mark Marlow

He added: "When that final penalty went in for Argentina, the place just went bonkers, it was unbelievable," he added, saying of the celebrations ahead of him and his punters: "Oh, I think we'll be having a few more pints."

Another part of the north where the Argentina victory had a special significance was Co Antrim's Cushendall, the ancestral home of the squad's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Born in Santa Rosa, the 23-year-old's forebears are believed to have emigrated from the coastal village in the late 18th or early 19th century.

Cushendall shop owner Dominic McAlister told the BBC this week the link with Alexis was the "talk of the town" throughout the tournament.