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Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered across Buenos Aires to greet Argentina’s national football team as they returned home following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Captain Lionel Messi, however, did not join the delegation, choosing instead to travel directly to Miami before taking a short holiday in Rosario. Consequently, head coach Lionel Scaloni led the homecoming parade alongside 16 squad members.

Scaloni heads homecoming group

Scaloni, along with 16 players from Argentina’s 26-man squad, landed at Ezeiza International Airport on Monday. They were received with a red carpet welcome and a military band despite the heartbreak of losing the World Cup final to Spain. The Albiceleste contingent then boarded an open-top bus bound for the AFA training complex, the Lionel Andres Messi Centre, greeting cheering supporters along the route. Upon arrival, they were met with fireworks and live performances. Messi opted out of the journey, instead travelling to Miami before heading home to Rosario for a brief rest.

President Milei lauds the team

Argentine President Javier Milei shared that the players were not in a celebratory mood after the final loss, explaining why a subdued reception was organised. Addressing their emotional state, he remarked: “After the disappointment of not winning, they chose not to celebrate. But something had to be done to honour this extraordinary team, the greatest in history. In the last three World Cups, they made it to four finals and won one. Considering their effort and the values they displayed on the field, a tribute was necessary.”

Commenting on Messi’s decision to skip the Buenos Aires reception, Milei—who also confirmed that a national holiday would be declared at the team’s discretion—urged the nation to support their captain. He said: “Sometimes it’s hard to grasp the historical magnitude of what they’ve accomplished. We’re all human, and we make decisions based on our emotions. This is a painful moment; words can’t describe it. He’s a genius of the sport, someone who’s achieved the unimaginable. Football fans owe him immense gratitude. We must respect his choice—it’s difficult knowing they came so close.”

De Paul defends his teammates

Meanwhile, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul responded to criticism over Argentina’s combative style of play during the tournament, which saw five players booked and Enzo Fernandez sent off in the final. Taking to Instagram, De Paul expressed his feelings: “The deepest pain comes from not being able to bring the World Cup trophy back home again, because if anyone deserved that joy once more, it was you. But as time passes, I realise that the connection you have with this team goes beyond titles—and that’s what keeps me strong through this heartbreak.”

He continued: “I see how many people were waiting for our downfall, spreading false stories throughout the World Cup to ease their own pain because they couldn’t experience what we Argentines did—our happiness annoys them, our passion irritates them. But all that proves is that our love for this jersey can overcome anything. It will hurt for a long time, but today, more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”

New chapter for Argentina

With the World Cup campaign over, Scaloni and his coaching staff will now focus on preparing a new generation of players to replace the ageing veterans expected to retire from international football soon. While this tournament was widely seen as Messi’s sixth and final World Cup, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star has yet to make any official announcement regarding his retirement from the national team.