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Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina following the nation’s painful defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, taking a short break with his family before resuming club duties with Inter Miami.
The Argentina captain arrived near his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday morning after traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite dozens of supporters gathering at the airport in the early hours of the day, Messi avoided a public appearance and left directly for the private neighborhood of Funes, where he is expected to spend time with family and close friends.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup title ended on Sunday when Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time victory in the final at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to hand Spain their second world crown and deny Messi another historic triumph with La Albiceleste.
Still processing the disappointment, Messi shared an emotional message with fans on social media after returning home.
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Messi reportedly traveled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, who had accompanied him throughout the tournament in North America. Waiting for him in Rosario was his father, Jorge Messi, who has been undergoing medical treatment in recent months.
Supporters gathered outside the airport long before dawn hoping to catch a glimpse of the football icon. Among them were young fans carrying signs thanking Messi for his contributions to Argentine football and celebrating his remarkable career.
While the defeat remains painful, Messi also took time to congratulate Spain on their achievement and reflect on Argentina’s run to a second consecutive World Cup 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 said.
“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”
The 2026 tournament marked Messi’s third World Cup final appearance after 2014 and 2022. The 39-year-old finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer with eight goals, behind only France star Kylian Mbappé, who claimed the Golden Boot with 10.
Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August as the MLS season continues, though questions about his long-term international future are likely to remain a major talking point in the weeks ahead.
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