Thousands of supporters crowded into Buenos Aires on Monday night to greet members of the Argentina national football team upon their arrival home, following their defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Manager Lionel Scaloni alongside 16 squad members touched down at Ezeiza international airport, where they were greeted by a formal red carpet reception and a military music ensemble.
Meanwhile, captain Lionel Messi bypassed the return flight with the squad, heading instead to Miami before traveling onward to Rosario with his family for a brief vacation.
The veteran forward featured in every match of Argentina’s eight-game World Cup campaign and will take a temporary break before rejoining Inter Miami CF for upcoming Major League Soccer fixtures.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez joined teammates on an open-top bus parade that transported the delegation directly to the Argentine Football Association training complex in Ezeiza, officially named the Lionel Andrés Messi center in 2023.
Supporters lined the streets to wave at the players, while festive music and fireworks awaited the squad upon reaching the facility.
According to Argentina President Javier Milei, the returning team members were not in a celebratory spirit following the title match outcome.
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