Argentina's national team returned home Sunday amid high security after an exit from the World Cup that many fans felt was humiliating and premature.
The Aerolineas Argentinas flight arrived from South Africa, where Germany ended Argentina's hopes with a convincing 4-0 victory on Saturday.
Police took extreme measures to prevent fans from reaching the capital's international airport. Customs and immigration officials processed the players and coaching staff at the plane, and a bus took them directly from the tarmac to the Argentine Football Association's nearby headquarters without passing through the airport building.
Police also blocked the access highway, allowing only passengers, flight crews and airport workers to pass within 2 miles of the airport.
Thousands of people gathered nevertheless along the highway and outside AFA headquarters, many with signs of support for coach Diego Maradona. Several of the players have asked Maradona to remain as coach of the national team despite their frustrated bid for World Cup glory.
