Lionel Messi returns to Rosario for family rest after World Cup final

Lionel Messi, 39, arrived in Argentina on 21 July 2026 after the World Cup final loss to Spain. He travelled on a private jet from Miami (following a prior flight from New York) and landed at Rosario International Airport (Islas Malvinas) around 06:30 local time. He was escorted directly to his residence in the Kentucky Club de Campo, Funes, avoiding public contact. Fans gathered at the airport and near his home, but Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children were taken to the private property without fan interaction.

Messi posted on Instagram that “the pain is huge and it will take time to heal,” thanking the nation’s support and saying he will keep the good memories of the tournament. He will spend several days resting with his family before re‑joining Inter Miami. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said there is no rush for Messi or teammate Rodrigo De Paul to return; they will miss the club’s upcoming MLS matches against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal and may also sit out the MLS All‑Star game. The club expects the players to be away for the time they need, possibly extending beyond the standard 21‑day rest period. Messi’s future with the Argentine national team remains uncertain, and his father Jorge’s health issues were also noted.

The story has generated wide coverage across Argentine, US, Brazilian, Vietnamese and European media outlets.