Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina for a brief break after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Argentine captain arrived in his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday morning aboard a private jet from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Although dozens of supporters gathered at the airport waving flags and holding welcome banners, Messi avoided a public appearance and quietly left with his family.
In an emotional message posted on Instagram, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted the defeat still hurts.
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,” Messi wrote. “I cherish all the good moments and memories that will last forever, as well as the support of an entire nation, whose belief and encouragement helped this group once again reach the very top of world football.”
Messi travelled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, who had accompanied him throughout the tournament in North America. He is expected to spend a few days in the private community of Funes near Rosario, where his father, Jorge Messi, is currently undergoing medical treatment.
Fans began gathering outside the airport before dawn in hopes of catching a glimpse of the football icon. Among them were two young girls holding a sign that read: “Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you.”
The 39-year-old is expected to return to the United States later this month to rejoin Inter Miami for the remainder of the MLS season.
Meanwhile, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni also received an emotional homecoming after arriving in his hometown of Pujato. Neighbours welcomed him with cheers, prompting the coach to step outside to sign jerseys and pose for photographs.
“We didn’t win, but we can still be proud of what we achieved,” Scaloni said. “It hurts that we couldn’t give our people that joy. Spain were the better team, and perhaps we simply had nothing left in the tank. Accepting that will only make us stronger.”
Scaloni also confirmed he intends to honour his contract with the Argentine Football Association through the end of the year, though he declined to say whether he would remain in charge beyond December.
Argentina’s title defence ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal.
Despite missing out on a second consecutive World Cup title, Messi finished the tournament with eight goals, ending as runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, who claimed the award with 10 goals.
Messi also congratulated Spain on lifting the trophy, adding that reaching back-to-back World Cup finals remains an achievement he hopes Argentines will eventually appreciate.
“It’s difficult to fully value what we’ve accomplished right now,” he wrote. “But this team reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every message and every show of support. And congratulations to Spain on becoming world champions.”
