The Argentina national football team returned to the AFA headquarters in Ezeiza on Monday to greet supporters from a convertible microbus [1].
The homecoming marks the end of the team's campaign following a loss in the World Cup 2026 final. The event served as a gesture of gratitude toward fans, and a transition for players returning to their families [1, 2, 3].
Members of the delegation, including coach Lionel Scaloni, AFA president Chiqui Tapia, and defender Nicolás Otamendi, arrived at the premises near Ezeiza International Airport [1, 2, 3]. The group was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m. [3]. Despite the disappointment of the tournament result, crowds gathered in the rain to welcome the squad [2].
Not all members of the team were present for the arrival. A total of 11 players did not return with the main delegation [1].
Among those absent was Lionel Messi [1, 3]. Reports regarding Messi's specific movements vary, with some sources saying he did not travel with the group [3] and others suggesting he would arrive a day later [2].
The players used the open-top bus to maintain visibility and interact with the multitude of fans lining the route to the AFA facilities [1, 2].
“The Argentina national football team returned to the AFA headquarters in Ezeiza on Monday”
The absence of Lionel Messi and 10 other players from the initial homecoming delegation suggests a fragmented return process, likely due to individual travel arrangements or personal recovery time. While the public greeting aims to maintain the bond between the squad and the Argentine public after a major final loss, the focus will soon shift to the AFA's evaluation of the coaching staff and the future of the veteran core.
