Messi Returns to Rosario for Rest After World Cup Final Loss

Lionel Messi arrived in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday for a few days of rest following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain. His private jet landed near Rosario at 6:27 am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida but he made no public appearance despite fans gathering since 3:30 am with flags and welcome signs.

An SUV met Messi on the tarmac and drove him and his family to their home in Funes, a private neighborhood about 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires. He traveled with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children accompanied him throughout the tournament. His 68-year-old father Jorge currently undergoing medical treatment was waiting for him there.

Among the fans were two girls in Albiceleste jerseys holding a sign thanking Messi for "bringing joy" to the nation.

Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the MLS season.

Fifteen other members of Argentina's World Cup squad, led by coach Lionel Scaloni landed in Buenos Aires on Monday to an emotional welcome from thousands of fans.

Argentina lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain in Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. It was Messi's third World Cup final following 2014 and 2022. He finished as Golden Boot runner-up with eight goals, two behind France's Kylian Mbappé, who now leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 22 goals, one more than Messi.