Argentina Returns Home Without Lionel Messi; Players Greeted with Red Carpet in the Rain

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) had previously announced that some squad members would not be on board. Star player Lionel Messi was notably absent from the footage of the team disembarking the plane, as shown by local television.

Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were greeted at the aircraft with a red carpet and a military band. Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain, waiting outside the AFA headquarters near the airport. They were draped in flags and shielded themselves from the drizzle with blue and white umbrellas.

Argentinians had envisioned a different homecoming for their team. Four years prior, millions had flooded the streets to celebrate their 2022 triumph. Nevertheless, many still came this time to express gratitude for the players' efforts. “Argentinians will celebrate regardless,” said 36-year-old fan Marga Ledezma.

She thanked Messi for “all the years he made us happy” and urged him not to retire from the Argentine national team just yet. Argentina lost 0-1 after extra time to Spain, failing to secure a second consecutive World Cup title. International media criticized the match for its numerous fouls and displays of unsportsmanlike conduct from the South American squad.

Many fans emphasized that Argentina's true victory was their 2-1 semi-final triumph over England. That match was played against the backdrop of the ongoing dispute between the two countries over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. “This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be here for them, come rain or shine. I would thank Messi and tell him he gave his all,” declared 36-year-old fan Leonardo Barrientos.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, thousands of Argentinians flocked to the traditional celebration spot at the Obelisco in Buenos Aires. On Sunday evening, they celebrated for hours with fireworks, expressing their gratitude to the team.

Late into the night, brief skirmishes erupted near the monument. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the revelers. According to police sources, 15 people were detained. The information was reported by AFP.