Messi Returns to Argentina After World Cup Final Loss to Spain/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Lionel Messi returned to Argentina Tuesday for a short break following his team’s 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. The Argentina captain did not greet supporters waiting near Rosario but thanked fans in an emotional Instagram message. Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the continuing MLS season.
Quick Look
- Messi arrived near Rosario at 6:27 a.m. Tuesday.
- His private jet traveled from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Fans waited with signs and Argentine flags.
- Messi did not make a public appearance at the airport.
- An SUV transported him and his family to Funes.
- Messi reportedly traveled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children.
- His father, Jorge Messi, was waiting in Rosario.
- Jorge, 68, is receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
- Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time Sunday.
- Ferran Torres scored the World Cup-winning goal.
- Fifteen Argentina players returned to Buenos Aires Monday.
- Messi is expected to return to Inter Miami in late July or early August.
- The match was his third World Cup final.
- Messi scored eight goals during the tournament.
- Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals.
- Mbappé leads the all-time World Cup scoring list with 22 goals, one more than Messi.
Deep Look
Messi Returns Home After World Cup Defeat
ROSARIO, Argentina — Lionel Messi returned to Argentina Tuesday for several days of rest following his national team’s extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Messi’s private jet landed near his hometown of Rosario at 6:27 a.m. after traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Supporters gathered outside the airport with signs, flags and Argentina jerseys, hoping to see their captain.
Messi did not make a public appearance after landing.
Messi Describes ‘Immense’ Pain
The 39-year-old addressed the defeat through an emotional message on Instagram.
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,” Messi wrote. “I cherish all the good moments, memories that will last forever—and the support of an entire nation which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, propelled us once again into the ranks of the world’s best.”
Argentina entered the final seeking a second consecutive World Cup title after winning the tournament in 2022.
Spain denied Argentina the repeat with a 1-0 victory in extra time.
Fans Wait Hours at Airport
Supporters began arriving at the airport as early as 3:30 a.m.
They waited for approximately three hours before Messi’s aircraft landed.
Fans only caught a brief glimpse of the SUV that met him and his family on the tarmac.
The vehicle transported them to the private community of Funes, near Rosario and approximately 300 kilometers, or 185 miles, north of Buenos Aires.
Young Supporters Welcome Messi
Among those waiting were two young girls wearing Argentina’s blue-and-white national team jerseys.
They carried welcome signs honoring Messi despite the disappointment of losing the final.
One sign read: “Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!”
The message reflected the strong public support Messi continued to receive following what may have been his final World Cup match.
Messi Travels With His Family
Messi reportedly returned with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children.
His family accompanied him throughout the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His 68-year-old father, Jorge Messi, was waiting for him in Rosario.
During the World Cup, the family disclosed that Jorge was receiving continuing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Argentina Squad Returns to Buenos Aires
Fifteen members of Argentina’s 26-player World Cup roster arrived at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires Monday.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni led the group, which traveled on a charter flight.
Other players returned separately based on their personal plans and club commitments.
The team’s arrival followed Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Ferran Torres Decides Final
Spain defeated Argentina through Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute.
Torres entered the match as a second-half substitute before scoring the only goal of the final.
Argentina played extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card late in regulation.
The result gave Spain its second men’s World Cup title and ended Argentina’s attempt to become the first repeat champion since Brazil in 1962.
Messi Praises Argentina’s Achievement
Messi said the disappointment of losing should not erase the significance of reaching another final.
“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message,” Messi wrote.
“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”
Argentina followed its 2022 championship by reaching another final four years later.
Third World Cup Final for Messi
Sunday’s match was Messi’s third appearance in a World Cup final.
He helped Argentina reach the championship match in 2014, when the team lost to Germany.
Messi returned to the final in 2022 and led Argentina past France to claim the title.
The 2026 loss to Spain left him with one victory from three World Cup finals.
Messi Finishes With Eight Goals
Messi scored eight goals during the tournament, finishing second in the Golden Boot race.
France forward Kylian Mbappé won the award with 10 goals.
Mbappé now leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 22 goals.
Messi ranks second with 21.
Inter Miami Return Expected
Messi is expected to spend several days resting with his family in Argentina.
He is then expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the ongoing Major League Soccer season.
No precise return date has been announced.
His availability will likely depend on his physical condition following the World Cup and the amount of recovery time he receives.
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