Lionel Messi Argentina returned home to Rosario on Tuesday for a short break after their heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with hundreds of supporters gathering before dawn hoping to catch a glimpse of their captain.Messi’s private plane took off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 6:27 a.m. local time and landed near Rosario, just two days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in overtime in New Jersey.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made no public appearances, although fans lined up at the airport carrying Argentinian flags and welcome banners. Instead, supporters only glimpsed an SUV carrying Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons before heading to the family home in the private community of Funes, about 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires.According to the Associated Press, many supporters arrived at the scene as early as 3:30 a.m. local time, hoping to welcome home the man who inspired Argentina to reach its second consecutive World Cup final.Messi is also expected to reunite with his father Jorge Messi, who has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness during the World Cup.watch:
Emotional message after another unforgettable World Cup
Ahead of Messi’s return, he shared an emotional message looking back on Argentina’s performance and congratulating Spain on lifting the trophy.“The pain is great and the wounds take time to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “But I also retain all the good things… We turned the situation around and gave it our all… This team is in two consecutive World Cup finals.”The Argentina captain also thanked the fans for supporting the team throughout the tournament.“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. We have once again succeeded in uniting as a nation… I would also like to congratulate Spain for winning the title,” he added.The 39-year-old ended the tournament with eight goals, finishing second behind France in the race for the Golden Boot. Kylian Mbappewho scored 10 points.
Fans celebrate despite final defeat
Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute helped Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after overtime and win its second world championship, ending Argentina’s World Cup journey.Despite the disappointment, thousands of supporters gathered in front of Buenos Aires’ iconic obelisk after the final, waving flags and singing to celebrate a team that was just one win away from retaining its World Cup title.Previously, 15 members of the Argentine team, led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, also returned to Buenos Aires on a chartered flight.For Messi, the visit to Rosario provides a chance to recharge his batteries after another demanding World Cup before returning to club duties at Inter Miami, where he is expected to resume the MLS season in late July or early August.
