"The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote in Spanish on Instagram on 20/7. "But I also cherish all the good things. The matches where we came from behind, the spirit of giving our all, will forever be unforgettable memories. The support of the entire country, along with the team's effort and dedication, has once again helped us be among the strongest teams in the world." The 39-year-old superstar expressed gratitude for the fans' support, emphasizing that the team had united the entire country once again through their World Cup journey. He also congratulated Spain on their championship.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi cried, with coach Lionel Scaloni behind him, after the 0-1 loss to Spain in the World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7/2026. *AP*

Messi shone with 8 goals and 4 assists, helping Argentina reach the World Cup 2026 final. He became the first player to start three World Cup finals, but could not make a difference against Spain. Argentina was outplayed, losing 0-1 to Ferran Torres's 106th-minute goal and failing to defend their title.

After the match, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) Claudio Tapia paid tribute to Messi and thanked the entire team for their efforts in their quest to defend the championship. The AFA also released a statement, noting that despite not achieving their goal of winning two consecutive World Cup titles, the team continues to receive strong fan support, and its bond with the Argentine people transcends a single match's outcome.

According to Argentine media, Messi did not return to Buenos Aires with his teammates on the flight from New York. Instead, he flew to Miami with Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate. De Paul will take a short break before returning to play in MLS, while Messi is expected to fly by private jet to Rosario to rest with his family in Funes. Several other national team players, including: Geronimo Rulli, Nico Paz, Marcos Senesi, Facundo Medina, Valentin Barco, Nicolas Gonzalez, Jose Manuel Lopez, and Juan Musso, also did not return to Argentina with the team, traveling directly to their respective clubs or taking leave.

The remaining group of players, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and key figures such as: Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Otamendi, along with the coaching staff, landed at Ezeiza International Airport at 18:00 on 20/7, Buenos Aires time.

A message prepared by Argentine Air Navigation Services (EANA) to welcome the Argentina national team at Ezeiza Airport. *La Nacion*

As the plane prepared to land, staff from Argentine Air Navigation Services (EANA) sent a message via the communication system to the entire team: "We are very proud of you. You have represented all Argentine people with dignity and great spirit. We just want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts." The air traffic control tower at Ezeiza also broadcast a special welcome message: "You have brought great happiness to the entire country with your dedication, effort, and fighting spirit. To us, you will always be champions."

Argentine airport management also prepared a tribute for the team, placing large "Thank You!" signs on the airport grounds to welcome coach Lionel Scaloni and his team back after the World Cup.

Leaving the airport, the national team players traveled by open-top bus to the Argentine Football Association (AFA)'s Lionel Messi training center in Ezeiza. Along the Riccheri highway, thousands of fans lined both sides of the road, waving flags, singing loudly, and setting off fireworks. The players continuously waved and clapped in return for the fans' affection, also throwing jerseys to the makeshift stands along the road, before reuniting with their families at the training center.

The team's return coincided with Friendship Day in Argentina. On the social media platform X, the AFA posted a message: "Football unites us, but friendship makes us invincible," concluding their World Cup journey with a tribute to the players and fans.

Key moments of the World Cup 2026 final.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, La Nacion)