Thousands of fans braved cold and rain in Buenos Aires on Monday to receive the Argentine national football squad after their 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain. However, captain Lionel Messi was not aboard the aircraft, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), which stated that some squad members would not travel together.
Messi Absent from Homecoming Flight
According to ESPN, footage aired by local television broadcasters showed Messi was not seen leaving the plane. The 39-year-old skipper, who had an emotional reaction after the defeat, remained absent from the homecoming, leaving fans without the sight of their iconic leader. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the returning players were met with a red carpet and a military band on the tarmac before boarding a bus through streets lined with cheering supporters.
Fans Celebrate Despite Defeat
The reception stood in sharp contrast to expectations. Four years ago, millions poured into the streets to celebrate Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, as reported by Yahoo Sport. Though Sunday's final ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain, the party spirit was not entirely absent. Crowds gathered at the Obelisk in central Buenos Aires on Sunday evening and celebrated for hours. Fans danced, sang, and set off fireworks despite the cold and wet conditions.
"Argentines will celebrate anyway," said Marga Ledezma, a 36-year-old housewife who joined the welcome. She thanked Messi for "all the years he made us happy" and urged him not to retire from international duty, though she acknowledged his age made that a difficult ask.
Public Holiday Announced
President Javier Milei later announced that a date, agreed upon with the squad, would be declared a public holiday in recognition of the team's performance throughout the tournament. No specific date has been confirmed. The final itself drew criticism from international media over numerous fouls and what many observers described as poor sportsmanship from the Argentine side during the match.
Messi's Emotional Response
Earlier, Legit.ng reported on Messi's emotional response following Argentina's defeat. The heart-wrenching moment when Messi broke down in tears after acknowledging Spain's dominance encapsulates the weight of his legacy and the uncertainty surrounding his international future. The AFA has not yet commented on Messi's future with the national team.
