Argentina Returns Home ‘Without Messi’ After World Cup Final Defeat

• Thousands of Argentine fans gathered in Buenos Aires to welcome their national team home after their World Cup final loss to Spain, with many paying tribute to Lionel Messi despite the captain’s absence.

Thousands of Argentine football fans turned out to welcome their national team home following its 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, despite the absence of captain Lionel Messi and several other players.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Monday that some members of the squad did not travel back with the team, and Messi was notably absent when the players disembarked from the aircraft.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni and the returning players were greeted with a red-carpet reception and a military band upon their arrival.

Supporters braved cold weather and rain outside the AFA training complex near Ezeiza International Airport, waving Argentine flags and carrying blue-and-white umbrellas as they waited to welcome the players.

Although the homecoming lacked the celebrations that followed Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, many fans said they were there to thank the team for its efforts throughout the tournament.

“Argentinians will celebrate anyway,” said 36-year-old Marga Ledezma, who also urged Lionel Messi to continue playing for the national team.

“Thank you to Messi for all the years he made us happy,” she said.

Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup ended after Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time to hand Spain victory in the final.

Despite the defeat, many supporters described the team’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England as one of the tournament’s defining moments.

“This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine. I would say thank you to Messi, and that he gave it his all,” said Leonardo Barrientos, a textile worker.

Another supporter, Maria Ortiz, acknowledged Spain’s superiority in the final but praised Argentina’s overall campaign.

“Spain deserved the win, but I’m happy for what the team gave us,” she said.

While many fans gathered peacefully to honour the players, celebrations at Buenos Aires’ iconic Obelisk later turned violent.

Police dispersed crowds using water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets after brief clashes erupted late on Sunday night. Authorities said 15 people were arrested during the disturbances.