07/21/26 11:55:00
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07/21 11:47 CDT Messi returns to Argentina for rest after World Cup final loss
to Spain
Messi returns to Argentina for rest after World Cup final loss to Spain
By HERNAN ALVAREZ
Associated Press
ROSARIO, Argentina (AP) --- Lionel Messi arrived back in Argentina on Tuesday
for a few days of rest following the World Cup final loss to Spain.
Messi's private jet landed near his hometown of Rosario from Fort Lauderdale,
Florida, at 6:27 a.m. Although many fans were waiting with signs and flags, he
did not make a public appearance.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," he posted on his
Instagram account. "I cherish all the good moments, memories that will last
forever---and the support of an entire nation which, combined with this group's
hard work and effort, propelled us once again into the ranks of the world's
best."
Supporters only caught a brief glimpse of the SUV that met Messi on the tarmac
to transport him and his family to the private neighborhood of Funes, roughly
300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
The Argentina captain reportedly traveled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and
their three children, all of whom had accompanied him throughout the tournament
in North America. Waiting for him in Rosario was his 68-year-old father, Jorge,
whose ongoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness had been disclosed
by the family during the World Cup.
Fans had gathered at the airport as early as 3:30 a.m. hoping to catch a sight
of the star. Among them were two young girls in Albiceleste jerseys holding
welcome signs, one of which read: "Messi: You're a legend. Thank you for
bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!"
Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the
ongoing MLS season
Fifteen members of Argentina's 26-player World Cup roster, led by head coach
Lionel Scaloni, landed at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza Airport on Monday on a chartered
flight.
The squad's arrival follows Sunday's 1--0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World
Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, decided by a Ferran Torres goal.
"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group
reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you all from the bottom of my
heart for every greeting and message," Messi added. "I also want to
congratulate Spain on winning the championship."
The match marked Messi's third World Cup final appearance following 2014 and
2022. He ended the tournament as the runner-up for the Golden Boot with eight
goals, two behind France's Kylian Mbapp.
Mbapp tops the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart with 22, one more than
Messi.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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