Lionel Messi returned home to Rosario on Tuesday for a short break following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with hundreds of fans gathering at dawn in the hope of catching a glimpse of their captain.Messi’s private jet touched down near Rosario at 6:27 am local time after flying from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just two days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey.Although fans lined the airport holding Argentine flags and welcoming signs, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was not seen in public. Instead, fans only got a glimpse of the SUV that took Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons before heading to the family’s home in Funes, about 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires.According to the AP report, many supporters arrived at 3:30 am (local time), hoping to welcome home the man who inspired Argentina’s run to the second consecutive World Cup final.Messi is also expected to meet his father Jorge Messi who is undergoing an undisclosed medical treatment during the World Cup.SEE:
Emotional messages after another memorable World Cup
Messi’s return comes after he delivered a message about Argentina’s campaign and praised Spain for lifting the trophy.“The pain is great, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “But I’m keeping all the positives… The games we turned around, giving everything… the team reached the final of the World Cup twice in a row.”The Argentina captain also thanked the supporters for standing by the team throughout the season.“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country… I also want to congratulate Spain for winning the tournament,” he added.The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals, and finished as runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind France. Kylian Mbappewho scored 10.
Fans celebrate even after the final defeat
Argentina’s World Cup tour ended when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory after extra time and secure La Roja’s second international title.Despite the disappointment, thousands of fans gathered at the famous Obelisk of Buenos Aires after the final, waving flags, chanting and celebrating the team that won one victory to retain the World Cup.Earlier, 15 members of the Argentine team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, returned to Buenos Aires on a chartered plane.For Messi, the trip to Rosario provides an opportunity for him to come back after the World Cup needed to return to the Inter Miami team, where he is expected to resume the MLS season in late July or early August.