Lionel Messi and his family return to Argentina on a quiet, fan-free flight

Two days after the end of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and his family returned to Argentina. Heading back to his hometown of Rosario wasn't how he'd imagined it. Unlike the last tournament, this time their arrival was marked by the shadow of defeat against Spain in one of the most highly anticipated finals. Argentina's No. 10 chose to travel in the early hours, without crowds or celebrations, opting for a discreet trip home, with only a few fans nearby hoping to thank him for everything he gave on the field, though they never got the chance to greet him. ZUMA Press, Inc. Messi . . .