Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday, two days after Argentina`s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final ended the team`s hopes of defending the title.
The Argentina captain arrived at Rosario airport aboard a private jet at around 6:30am local time, accompanied by his wife and three children, according to a local government official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.
Footage shared by sports broadcaster ESPN showed a grey SUV carrying Messi entering a private residential community in the nearby city of Funes, where the football star owns a home and regularly stays during visits to his hometown.
Messi travelled separately from most of Argentina`s squad, who returned to Buenos Aires on Monday night. Thousands of supporters gathered to welcome the players and coaching staff, waving flags, chanting and applauding the team despite the disappointment of losing the final.
Argentina`s bid to retain the World Cup ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain on Sunday. An emotional Messi was seen in tears after the final whistle as Spain lifted the trophy.
The 39-year-old enjoyed another outstanding World Cup campaign, finishing the tournament with eight goals as Argentina reached a second consecutive World Cup final.
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