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Lionel Messi heads to Rosario for family rest after World Cup final loss
Lionel Messi returned to Argentina on Tuesday morning after Argentina’s 1‑0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He flew privately from Miami and landed at Rosario’s international airport around 06:30 local time, then was driven directly to his family’s home in the Kentucky Club de Campo estate in Funes, avoiding the official reception given to most of the squad in Buenos Aires.
Messi will spend several days in Rosario with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children before re‑joining Inter Miami. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the club will not rush his return, noting that FIFA‑FIFPRO recommends at least a 21‑day rest period after a World Cup. Consequently, Messi will miss the MLS matches against Chicago Fire (July 22) and CF Montréal (July 25) and is also set to sit out the MLS All‑Star Game.
In an Instagram post, the 39‑year‑old captain expressed the emotional impact of the loss, writing “the pain is huge and it will take time to heal.” Teammate Rodrigo De Paul also travelled separately and has not given a return date. Security operations surrounded Messi’s arrival, but he kept a low profile, choosing to rest with his family before any further professional commitments.