Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-21 18:46:00.
Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday for a brief period of rest following the recent FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where Argentina suffered a 1-0 loss to Spain. The match, held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Spain clinch victory with a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time.
Messi’s private jet touched down at Rosario’s airport at 6:27 a.m., coming from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Although many fans eagerly awaited his arrival with signs and flags, Messi chose not to make a public appearance. Supporters only caught a quick view of the SUV that picked him up from the tarmac, taking him and his family to the private neighborhood of Funes, located about 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
On the flight back, Messi was accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, who had been by his side throughout the tournament. Family was on his mind as he returned home; waiting for him in Rosario was his 68-year-old father, Jorge, who is undergoing treatment for an unspecified health condition.
Fans arrived at the airport as early as 3:30 a.m. in hopes of catching a glimpse of their hero. Among the crowd were two young girls sporting Albiceleste jerseys, holding a heartfelt sign that read: “Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!”
Messi is projected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the ongoing MLS season. This reunion comes after Argentina’s team, managed by head coach Lionel Scaloni, returned from the tournament. Fifteen members of the squad arrived at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza Airport on a chartered flight this week, following the disappointment of their World Cup final setback.
This final marked Messi’s third World Cup appearance, previously having played in the finals in 2014 and 2022. He finished the tournament as the runner-up for the Golden Boot, scoring eight goals, two short of France’s Kylian Mbappé, who leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 22 goals, just one ahead of Messi.
FAQs
When is Messi expected to rejoin Inter Miami?
Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August.
Who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final?
The winning goal in the World Cup final was scored by Ferran Torres of Spain.
Key Facts
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-21 18:46:00
Read more on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.
Tags: #Lionel #Messi #returns #Rosario #rest #World #Cup #final #loss
Tags: #Lionel #Messi #returns #Rosario #rest #World #Cup #final #loss
