Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina on Tuesday for a brief recovery period following his nation’s 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain.
Messi’s private jet landed near Rosario, Argentina, at 6:27 a.m., bypassing a gathering of eager fans at the airport. He did not make a public appearance upon arrival.
His SUV transported Messi and his family to Funes, a private residence approximately 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires, where his father, Jorge, awaited. The 68-year-old is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.
A group of supporters, including two young girls in Albiceleste jerseys with handmade welcome signs, witnessed the arrival. One sign read: “Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!”
Messi is scheduled to return to Inter Miami for the MLS season, set to resume in late July or early August.
Every Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup Goal
View all 21 goals from Lionel Messi’s career in the FIFA World Cup.
The 26-player Argentina squad, including Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni, arrived at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza Airport Monday on a chartered flight.
Sunday’s final loss to Spain marked Messi’s third World Cup final, ending with a Ferran Torres goal. Messi finished the tournament as runner-up for the Golden Boot with eight goals, trailing France’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored 22 goals across three World Cups, a record he now holds.
Also Read
- Nathan Fernandes’ Maiden Century Propels Middlesex to Opening Victory Over Essex
- Booker T Criticizes Hogan and Bischoff’s Departure from TNA’s Six-Sided Ring Legacy
- Nick Sanchez Set for Spire Motorsports Debut at Indianapolis Raceway Park
- Canada Responds to US Tariffs with Unified Economic Safeguards