Thousands Gather Despite Messi’s Absence
Thousands of supporters gathered in cold and rainy weather to welcome Argentina’s football team home on Monday.
The squad returned after losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 1-0 against Spain.
Captain Lionel Messi was not seen leaving the aircraft during the televised arrival.
The Argentine Football Association had earlier confirmed that several players would not return on the main team flight.
However, Messi’s absence did not stop supporters from celebrating the team’s tournament journey.
Fans filled the streets with flags, songs and fireworks.
Many danced in the rain as the team bus travelled through the crowd.
The welcome was very different from the massive celebrations after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup.
Still, supporters thanked the players for reaching a second consecutive final.
Coach Lionel Scaloni and the returning squad members walked across a red carpet after leaving the aircraft.
A military band also performed during the official reception.
The players later boarded an open bus and waved to supporters gathered along the route.
Fans Urge Messi to Continue International Career
Many fans used the homecoming to express support for Messi.
The 39-year-old captain has not confirmed whether he will continue playing international football.
Supporters thanked him for years of memorable performances and major victories.
One fan said Argentines would continue celebrating despite the painful defeat.
She urged Messi not to retire and said his contribution to national football could never be forgotten.
Another supporter said the team had united the country during the tournament.
He thanked Messi for giving everything during the campaign.
Messi later addressed the defeat in an emotional social media message.
He said the pain was immense and would take time to overcome.
However, he also highlighted Argentina’s achievement of reaching two consecutive World Cup finals.
The former champions defeated England 2-1 in the semifinal before losing to Spain.
Some supporters described the semifinal victory as one of the most important moments of the tournament.
The match carried additional political significance because of the long-running sovereignty dispute between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands.
Several fans carried flags supporting Argentina’s territorial claim during the homecoming celebrations.
FIFA is reportedly investigating the Argentina squad after players displayed a politically sensitive banner following the England match.
The display caused criticism in Britain and increased tensions surrounding the semifinal victory.
Celebrations Continue After Painful Final Loss
Argentina’s World Cup final defeat followed an intense and physical match against Spain.
Several international commentators criticised the number of fouls and confrontations during the game.
Despite the criticism, supporters defended the team’s fighting spirit.
Many said Argentina’s identity was built around determination, recovery and refusing to surrender.
Some fans also acknowledged that Spain deserved to win the final.
However, they said Argentina’s players still deserved appreciation for their performance throughout the tournament.
President Javier Milei announced that a future public holiday would be arranged to recognise the team’s World Cup campaign.
The date will be decided after consultation with the squad.
No further details have been released.
Thousands of supporters also gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires after Sunday’s final.
Fans remained at the traditional celebration point for several hours despite the defeat.
Most of the gathering remained peaceful and festive.
However, clashes later broke out between some people and police.
Security forces used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse parts of the crowd.
Police sources said 15 people were detained following the disturbances.
The team returned without the trophy and without its captain on the main flight.
However, the streets remained filled with gratitude.
For many Argentines, reaching another World Cup final was still an achievement worth celebrating.
