Argentina's World Cup Squad Returns to Buenos Aires Amidst Fan Welcome Despite Final Loss

A contingent of the Argentine national football team and its coaching staff arrived back in Buenos Aires on Monday, greeted by thousands of fans at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters in Ezeiza. This homecoming occurred despite the team's second-place finish in the 2026 World Cup, following a final match loss to Spain.

The plane carrying the players landed at Ezeiza International Airport around 6:20 p.m. local time. Notably, captain Lionel Messi was not among the group that returned to Argentina, according to local press reports. However, coach Lionel Scaloni and players such as Nicolás Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, and Gonzalo Montiel were confirmed to be on board.

Fans braved the cold and rain in Buenos Aires, gathering at the AFA's training complex, where the team typically stays. They came to express their gratitude and support through chants and flags, demonstrating a strong connection with the squad. "This team united us all, and we must be grateful for that," said Leonardo Barrientos, a 36-year-old textile worker, emphasizing the team's unifying effect on the nation.

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This team united us all, and we must be grateful for that, it managed to unite Argentines. We will always be there for them even if it rains or they lose.

While the celebrations are not on the same scale as the massive public outpouring following Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, thousands of supporters, many with their families, turned out. They displayed flags with messages like "Las Malvinas son argentinas" and sang the national anthem and team songs. María Ortiz, 28, shared her happiness and the lessons of humility learned from the team's performance during the tournament.

The government of President Javier Milei had offered to arrange a special operation for the players to celebrate with fans and had even considered declaring a national holiday. However, spontaneous celebrations erupted on Sunday night, with crowds taking to the streets and gathering at the Obelisco in Buenos Aires to celebrate the team's World Cup journey as a gesture of support and appreciation for the runners-up.

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I am very happy to be here, happy also for what the team gave us. We learned a lot from them this World Cup. They taught us what humility is.