Argentina captain Lionel Messi and several of his Albiceleste teammates skipped the bus parade in Buenos Aires after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday (July 19) in New Jersey.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni and 15 of his 26 World Cup players arrived in the Argentinian capital on Monday night and received a red-carpet welcome, but Messi was conspicuous by his absence.
As per talkSport, while Messi flew to Islas Malvinas International Airport enroute his hometown of Rosario. 10 of his teammates - Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernandez remained in the United States.
In the final defeat to La Roja, Fernandez saw a second yellow for a poor challenge on defender Pau Cubarsi, having earlier received a yellow for dissent, meaning the Albiceleste had to brave it out with 10 men for the entire extra time period.
Despite goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's heroics - making a World Cup final record 11 saves - Ferran Torres beat him from close range, with an assist from fellow substitute Nico Willams, in the 106th minute as La Roja registered their second cup triumph.
In the process, Luis de la Fuente's side also became the first team to complete the European Championship-World Cup double twice, having first accomplished it in 2010 by beating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time in Johannesburg.
Lionel Messi of Argentina enjoyed a fabulous 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America, finishing with his best-ever single-edition haul of eight goals and four assists in eight games.
However, with Spain ending his record run of 11 games with a goal contribution, the 39-year-old missed out on a second FIFA World Cup title in three finals. He finished two goals behind France's Kylian Mbappe (10) in the Golden Boot race, with the Frenchman becoming the first player to win the award twice.
Lionel Messi also missed out on the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award to La Roja captain Rodri, who was a rock in the centre of Luis de la Fuente's midfield, adding to his 2023 Ballon d'Or triumph.
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