Argentina's World Cup runners-up return home without Messi to a grateful welcome in Buenos Aires
The Argentine national team landed at Ezeiza airport on Monday evening without captain Lionel Messi, who flew directly to Miami, as thousands of supporters braved cold and rain to thank the squad for reaching the 2026 World Cup final.
Arrival without the captain
Part of the Argentine squad and coaching staff landed at Ezeiza international airport at 18:20 local time (21:20 GMT) on Monday, 20 July 2026, one day after losing the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain. The Aerolíneas Argentinas flight from New York carried an image of Messi's number 10 and the three World Cup stars on its turbine. Captain Lionel Messi did not travel with the group; he flew directly to Miami and will visit his hometown of Rosario in the coming days, according to local media. Coach Lionel Scaloni and players including Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, and Gonzalo Montiel descended to a red carpet while a military band played the fan anthem 'Muchachos'.
The pain is very great and it will be hard to close this wound.
Lautaro Martínez, who did not return with the delegation, posted his own message.
We tried, for the second consecutive World Cup we reached a final, this time it didn't happen for us.
A grateful, rain-soaked welcome
Despite cold and rain in Buenos Aires, thousands of supporters lined the route from the airport to the AFA training ground, about 4-5 km away. The bus, an open-top vehicle in albiceleste colours, took roughly an hour to cover the short distance as fans set off fireworks, waved flags, and sang. Many flags bore the inscription 'Las Malvinas son argentinas,' a nod to the 2-1 semifinal victory over England. The players' serious expressions at the foot of the plane gave way to smiles as they greeted the crowd.
This team united us all and we have to be grateful for that, it managed to unite Argentines. We will always be there for them even if it rains or they lose.
Mercedes Báez, a 44-year-old primary school teacher, said she was proud of everything the team gave from the first match to the last, and that she was eternally grateful to Messi and the rest of the squad. María Ortiz, 28, attended with her baby, whose middle name is Lionel, and said the team taught the country humility.
Government plans and spontaneous street parties
President Javier Milei's government had offered to organise a special operation so the players could celebrate with fans and had even indicated it would decree a national holiday. However, on Sunday night, immediately after the final, tens of thousands of Argentines took to the streets in cities across the country to dance, sing, and show support for the runners-up. The turnout on Monday was smaller than the millions who flooded Buenos Aires after the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, but the gratitude was undimmed.
What comes next
Messi is expected to travel to Rosario shortly, while the rest of the squad will disperse to their club commitments. The reception at Ezeiza closed a World Cup cycle that, despite the final defeat, reinforced the bond between the team and its public.
