Chiqui Tapia Leads Muted Homecoming as Argentina Returns Without Messi After World Cup Final Loss

Argentina's football delegation returned to Buenos Aires following a World Cup final defeat to Spain, with AFA president Chiqui Tapia leading a scaled-down arrival ceremony stripped of public festivities. Lionel Messi bypassed the homecoming entirely, opting instead to travel privately to Rosario to rejoin his family while most teammates attended the formal reception at Ezeiza International Airport.

The subdued nature of the reception marked a sharp departure from typical championship celebrations. President Javier Milei had initially announced plans to declare a national holiday and organize public festivities, but the proposal was shelved following a request from the players themselves. Instead, Tapia, vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, and coach Lionel Scaloni descended from the aircraft to a ceremonial welcome featuring a military band performance of "Muchachos," the 2022 World Cup anthem. The official party proceeded directly to AFA headquarters in the same municipality, bypassing any public gathering or extended procession.

Messi's absence from the immediate homecoming reflected his priority to rest following the final match against Spain. The Argentine captain, along with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, traveled to Miami rather than accompanying the bulk of the delegation. From there, Messi arranged private transportation to arrive in Argentina by Tuesday, planning to spend several days in Funes, a residential area near Rosario. Eight additional players—including goalkeeper Juan Musso, defender Marcos Senesi, and midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez—also opted against the group flight, instead departing directly for their respective club commitments or personal rest periods. The remaining 15 players who traveled with the coaching staff included Enzo Fernandez, Lisandro Martinez, and Lautaro Martinez.

Scaloni addressed the defeat candidly during his post-match press conference, expressing doubt about his future with the national team. "I feel the need to think because I don't know if I can accomplish something as significant as this," he stated, while crediting Tapia for the opportunity. Despite the loss, the AFA emphasized in an official statement that the team had reached consecutive World Cup finals, highlighting the collective achievement and enduring bond between the squad and Argentine supporters who maintained backing throughout the tournament.