The casket was already wrapped in Argentina colours, the mourners were dressed in black, and, according to France supporter Ross Smith, the grave had already been dug.

But by the time Lionel Messi and Argentina were finished, the mock funeral in Arnett Gardens called off. Residents had started marching with a cardboard casket wrapped in the Argentina flag shortly after Egypt scored their second goal in yesterday’s World Cup last-16 clash. It was a similar scene on Sunday as Argentina’s fierce rivals Brazil were also ‘laid to rest’ after losing to Norway. With Egypt leading 2-0, the defending champions looked dead and buried, and some Brazil and France supporters were ready to send Messi and his team home.

“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 seeing another Argentina-France showdown.