Lionel Messi returns to Argentina privately, avoids fans after World Cup final

Lionel Messi arrived in his native Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday morning via private jet, returning home after the 2026 World Cup where Argentina secured the runner-up position. The football superstar landed around 6:30 AM local time from Miami, USA, at Rosario's international airport.

Messi, who was transported in a blacked-out SUV to his family's residence in an exclusive neighborhood, did not make contact with or greet the fans who had waited through the night to welcome him. He is expected to spend the coming days on vacation with his family before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for training in the U.S. league.

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The pain is immense and it will take time to heal this wound.

The captain of the Argentine national team did not travel back with the rest of the squad and delegation, who were met by an enthusiastic crowd in Buenos Aires on Monday. Messi expressed his deep disappointment following the World Cup final loss to Spain in extra time, stating on Instagram that "the pain is immense and it will take time to heal this wound." However, he also urged to "remember all the good things," highlighting the team's efforts and the nation's support.

Messi's continued participation with the Argentine national team remains a subject of speculation, as he has not publicly addressed his future. It is widely believed that the 2026 World Cup was his last. The team has two friendly match windows remaining in 2026, which could potentially serve as his farewell appearances. Throughout his career, Messi has achieved numerous club titles, most notably with Barcelona, and has secured major international honors with Argentina under coach Lionel Scaloni, including the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, and the 2022 World Cup.

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We must remember all the good things: the matches where we came back and gave everything, which will remain in memory forever, with the support of an entire country that, along with the work and effort of this group, led us to be among the best in the world once again.