Thousands greet Argentina team without Messi after loss

Thousands of fans braved cold and rainy conditions in Buenos Aires on Monday, July 20, 2026, to give a hero's welcome to Argentina's national football team, despite its 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final the previous day. The squad arrived at Ezeiza International Airport without its iconic captain, Lionel Messi, who was among several players who did not travel back with the main group.

Coach Lionel Scaloni led the team off the aircraft to a red-carpet reception and a performance by a military band. The players then boarded a bus, waving to thousands of supporters who had gathered outside the Argentine Football Association's training complex near the airport, draped in national flags. The reception, while emotional, stood in contrast to the massive victory celebrations that followed Argentina's World Cup win in 2022. This time, fans expressed gratitude for the team's effort rather than celebrating a trophy.

The Argentine Football Association had stated earlier that some squad members would depart directly from the United States to rejoin their clubs or begin rest periods. Messi's absence was conspicuous in images broadcast on local television. On Monday, the 39-year-old...