EZEIZA, ARGENTINA — Following a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain in extra time, the Argentine national football team received a hero’s welcome upon their return home. Thousands of fans gathered near the Ezeiza airport wearing blue-and-white jerseys and waving flags to greet coach Lionel Scaloni and the squad. However, fans quickly noticed the absence of skipper Lionel Messi from the official team flight.
According to reports, Messi was among a few delegation members who chose not to return on the official team plane. Having spent weeks in the US during the tournament, Messi opted to remain behind temporarily to focus on physical and mental recovery, as well as prepare for his upcoming commitments with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Shortly after the main team arrived in Ezeiza, Messi traveled to Argentina separately via a private jet to spend time with his family before rejoining Inter Miami for the ongoing MLS season later in July or early August.
