Argentina Returns Home Without Messi After Heartbreaking World Cup Final Defeat

Thousands await the squad’s arrival, noting the absence of captain Messi and several teammates after the World Cup.

Published On 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026

Thousands of Argentinians gathered to greet their national team, which returned without star captain Lionel Messi and a few other players following its loss to Spain in the World Cup final held in the United States.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Monday that several squad members would not travel on the flight, and television footage showed Messi absent as the team disembarked.

Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the delegation were greeted with a red carpet outside the aircraft and a performance by a military band.

Supporters endured cold and rain, assembling outside the AFA training facility near Ezeiza International Airport to welcome the players, waving flags and holding blue‑and‑white umbrellas against the drizzle.

The scene fell short of the triumphant homecoming fans had envisioned after the 2022 championship celebrations, yet many attended to express appreciation for the team’s effort.

‘Thank you to Messi’

“Argentinians will celebrate regardless,” said Marga Ledezma, 36, who thanked Messi for “all the joy he brought us over the years” and urged him to continue representing Argentina.

Argentina fell 1‑0 to Spain, missing the chance to secure consecutive World Cup titles in a contest marred by numerous fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct attributed to La Albiceleste.

“I believe they criticize us because we know what it means to endure hardship—we rise, we stumble, and we persist,” said Ledezma.

Many fans pointed out that Argentina’s genuine triumph was the 2‑1 semifinal victory over England, a match played amid the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.

“This squad united the nation, and we owe them our gratitude. We will stand by them through rain or shine. I would tell Messi thank you and acknowledge that he gave everything,” said Leonardo Barrientos, 36, employed in a textile workshop.

Maria Ortiz, 28, arrived with her two‑year‑old to greet the team, saying Spain earned the win but she was pleased with what the squad delivered.

Despite the disappointment, thousands of Argentinians proceeded to the traditional gathering spot at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, where they celebrated for hours on Sunday evening with fireworks and expressions of thanks to the team.

Late that night, minor confrontations erupted at the monument, prompting police to deploy water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Authorities reported that fifteen individuals were detained.

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