Argentina's World Cup squad landed in Buenos Aires to a military band and red carpet welcome on Monday, July 20, but captain Lionel Messi was notably absent from the flight. The Argentine Football Association confirmed before departure that several players would not be on the return plane from the United States after the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, which was decided by Ferran Torres's extra-time goal.
Messi Heads to Miami Instead of Buenos Aires
According to Argentine sports media, Messi chose to travel to Miami rather than return to Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, who played all 120 minutes of the final in New Jersey, is based in South Florida, where he represents Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The defeat is widely considered to be Messi's final World Cup appearance. He is expected to fly with his family to his native Rosario later for a short break.
Images broadcast on local Argentine television showed coach Lionel Scaloni and part of the group disembarking, but Messi was visibly absent. Other players who skipped the homebound flight include Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Cristian Romero, Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Paz, Nahuel Molina Lucero, and Juan Musso, as reported by the Indian Express.
Messi and De Paul to Miss Inter Miami Fixtures
Messi and De Paul, both Inter Miami players, are expected to sit out the club's next two fixtures. Sources indicate both will miss the match against Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday, July 22, and the game against CF Montréal on Saturday, July 25, as they recover from the physical and mental demands of a demanding World Cup schedule.
Thousands Welcome Argentina Squad Home
Despite the final defeat to Spain, fans still turned out in respectable numbers to recognise the team's run to the last match of the tournament. The homecoming was not the celebration Argentine supporters had anticipated, given the team's victory in Qatar in 2022, when millions flooded the streets of Buenos Aires. Nonetheless, the warm reception underscored the nation's enduring support for the squad.
