Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday for a brief period of rest following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with hundreds of supporters gathering before dawn in the hope of catching a glimpse of their captain.Messi’s private jet touched down near Rosario at 6:27 a.m. local time after flying from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in New Jersey.Although fans lined the airport carrying Argentine flags and welcome banners, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not make a public appearance. Instead, supporters caught only a fleeting glimpse of the SUV that collected Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons before heading to the family’s residence in the private neighbourhood of Funes, around 300 kilometres north of Buenos Aires.As per an AP report, many supporters had arrived as early as 3:30 a.m. (local time), hoping to welcome home the man who inspired Argentina’s run to a second successive World Cup final.Messi is also expected to reunite with his father, Jorge Messi, who has been undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness while the World Cup was taking place.WATCH:

Emotional message after another unforgettable World Cup

Messi’s return comes after he shared an emotional message reflecting on Argentina’s campaign and congratulating Spain on lifting the trophy.“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “But I also hold on to all the good… The matches we turned around, giving our all… this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”The Argentina captain also thanked supporters for standing by the team throughout the tournament.“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country… I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship,” he added.The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals, ending as runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind France’s Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10.

Fans celebrate despite final defeat

Argentina’s World Cup journey ended when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to hand Spain a 1-0 victory after extra time and secure La Roja’s second world title.Despite the disappointment, thousands of supporters gathered at Buenos Aires’ iconic Obelisk after the final, waving flags, singing and celebrating a team that came within one win of retaining the World Cup.Earlier, 15 members of Argentina’s squad, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, also returned to Buenos Aires aboard a charter flight.For Messi, the visit to Rosario offers a chance to recharge after another demanding World Cup before he returns to club duties with Inter Miami, where he is expected to resume the MLS season in late July or early August.