Messi returns to Rosario after FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown on Tuesday (July 21) after a painful World Cup final loss against Spain.

The Argentine captain landed at Rosario airport on a private jet around 6:30am (0930 GMT) along with his wife and three children, a local government source told AFP.

A video published by sports outlet ESPN showed a gray SUV carrying Messi entering a gated community in the city of Funes.

The house he owns in this suburban area is where he usually stays during visits to his native Rosario in central Argentina.

"The pain is immense and it's going to take a long time for this wound to heal. I'll also hold on to all the good memories. Today it's hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this squad reached two consecutive World Cup finals. I'd also like to congratulate Spain on winning the tournament," Messi wrote on Instagram.

Most national squad players and their coach Lionel Scaloni arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday night, where thousands of fans enveloped them in cheers, chants, flags and tears.

Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain 1-0, with soccer idol Messi breaking down in tears after Sunday's defeat.

The 39-year-old star scored eight goals during this year's tournament.