Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario to Rest after the Defeat in the 2026 World Cup Final

Lionel Messi arrived back in Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, local time, to rest a few days after the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

Messi's private jet landed near his hometown from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 06.27am local time. Although many fans waited with banners and flags, he did not appear in public.

Supporters only got a glimpse of the SUV that picked up Messi on the runway to transport him and his family to Funes' private residential neighborhood, about 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires.

The Argentina captain is reported to have travelled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, all of whom have accompanied him throughout the tournament in North America.

His 68-year-old father, Jorge, was waiting for him in Rosario. Jorge is reportedly undergoing medical treatment for an unspecified illness, which the family revealed during the 2026 World Cup.

Fans have been gathering at the airport since 3.30am in the hope of seeing the star. Among them, there were two little girls wearing Albiceleste jerseys while holding welcome boards, one of which read: "Messi: You are a legend. Thank you for bringing happiness to our hearts. The whole country loves you!"

Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August 2022 for the ongoing Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Meanwhile, 15 members of the 26-player Argentina squad at the 2026 World Cup, led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, landed at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza Airport on Monday, July 20, 2026, local time, on a chartered flight.

The squad's arrival follows a 0-1 defeat in extra time against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which was decided by Ferran Torres' goal.

The match marked Messi's third World Cup final appearance after 2014 and 2022. He ended the tournament as runner-up for the Golden Boot with eight goals, two goals behind Kylian Mbappe of France.