Argentina had an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires after finishing as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup, but Lionel Messi and 10 other players weren't in attendance.
La Albiceleste were beaten 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium by Spain on Sunday evening, with Ferran Torres netting a 106th-minute winner. The clash was overshadowed by chaotic scenes after the full-time whistle, with FIFA even opening an investigation into Argentina players' actions.
Leandro Paredes got into a heated confrontation with Gavi, Nicolas Otamendi and Rodri exchanged furious words and Dani Olmo was punched by an opposition coach. The fallout has been divided between outrage at certain individuals as well as sadness that Messi likely bowed out on a significant loss.
11 Argentina Players Skip World Cup Bus Parade
Lionel Messi and the Argentina squad after the 2026 World Cup FinalREUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Following the disappointing defeat, Lionel Scaloni and 15 of his 26 players touched down at Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina. They were greeted by adoring fans and given a huge reception, but some may have been sad to see Messi wasn't there.
He was one of 11 squad members to skip the homecoming. Argentina players and staff were met with a red carpet before hopping onto an open-top bus to parade through the capital city.
Instead of accompanying his team, Messi took a separate flight home to Argentina. The 39-year-old landed at Islas Malvinas International on Tuesday morning before heading to his home in Rosario, according to Express Sport.
The other 10 players have also been revealed, after they opted to stay behind in the United States of America.
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That group consisted of Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernandez.
Messi Was in 'Great Pain' After World Cup Heartbreak
Lionel MessiREUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
It has been speculated that the final in New Jersey was Messi's last-ever game in an Argentina shirt. It ended in heartbreak, as the 39-year-old lost his second World Cup final and was beaten to the Golden Ball by Spain's Rodri.
Despite scoring eight goals and registering four assists, Messi wasn't handed the Player of the Tournament award. He took to social media 24 hours after the game ended, writing on Instagram: "The pain is so great and it’s going to be hard for me to close this wound.
"But I’ll keep all the good stuff too. With the matches we turned leaving everything and that will remain forever in the memory, with the support of an entire country that together with the work and effort of this group led us to be, once again, among the best in the world."
He concluded by thanking supporters and passing on his congratulations to Spain, showing his trademark class in defeat. Messi continued:
"Today it’s hard to evaluate what we did, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you very much from the heart for every greeting and for every message.
"Once again we manage to unite as a country and be all together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian. I also want to congratulate Spain for the championship."