**Argentina, Minus Messi, Returns Home After World Cup Final Heartbreak**
*Buenos Aires, Argentina – July 20, 2026*
Argentina's national football team returned home to a mixed reception on Monday following their defeat to Spain in the World Cup final held in the United States. The team arrived without their iconic captain, Lionel Messi, and several other players, prompting an outpouring of emotions from fans who gathered to welcome them back.
Thousands of supporters braved cold and rainy conditions outside the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) training complex in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province. Many fans held blue-and-white umbrellas to shield themselves from the drizzle while draping themselves in national flags. The atmosphere was one of gratitude despite the disappointment of the team's performance in the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain.
Coach Lionel Scaloni and the remaining squad members were greeted with a red carpet and a military band as they disembarked from the aircraft. However, Messi was notably absent from the arrival, and images broadcast on local television did not show him descending from the plane, leading to speculation about his future with the national team.
Fans expressed their appreciation for Messi and the team, with many highlighting the joy he has brought to Argentina over the years. Marga Ledezma, 36, thanked Messi for "all the years he made us happy" and urged him not to retire from international play. "Argentinians will celebrate anyway," she said, reflecting the resilience of the fanbase.
The match against Spain has drawn criticism for its numerous fouls and what some observers described as poor sportsmanship from the Argentinian side. Despite the loss, many fans pointed to the team's semifinal victory over England as a significant achievement, uniting the nation amid ongoing tensions related to the Falkland Islands dispute.
Leonardo Barrientos, 36, a textile worker, emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine."
Maria Ortiz, 28, who attended the welcome with her two-year-old child, acknowledged Spain's deserved victory but expressed happiness for the team's overall performance throughout the tournament.
Despite the somber mood following the loss, thousands of Argentinians gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires later that evening to celebrate the team's journey in the tournament. The gathering turned festive with fireworks, music, and expressions of gratitude for the players' efforts, although it was not without incident. Brief clashes erupted between some revelers and police, who responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Reports indicated that at least fifteen people were detained during these confrontations.
As the team returns home, the future of Messi, who has been a pivotal figure in Argentinian football, remains uncertain. His absence from the final and the subsequent homecoming has left fans hopeful yet anxious about the next chapter for both him and the national team.