Messi did not return to Argentina after the 2026 World Cup final
After Argentina’s national team lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi did not return to Argentina with the team.
According to the Argentine Football Association, nine other players also did not fly back to their home country. They traveled from the U.S. directly to their vacation destinations or their clubs’ locations.
Messi scored eight goals during the World Cup.
As a reminder, Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time in the final. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match, securing Spain’s second World Cup title in history.
Source: TyC Sports.
As a reminder, Spain won the 2026 World Cup by defeating Argentina.
The U.S. intercepted more than 700 drones near sports venues during the World Cup.
