Jakarta, ThedailyID — Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he helped lead the national team to a second consecutive final.
According to La Nación, Messi arrived in his hometown of Rosario on the morning of July 21, around 12 hours after the Argentina squad landed in Buenos Aires. He traveled aboard a private jet from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi arrived with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The family is expected to spend several days in Rosario before the Inter Miami captain returns to club duties.
Meanwhile, security escorted Messi through Islas Malvinas International Airport before taking him to his residence in the Kentucky Country Club neighborhood in Funes, near Rosario.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the property to welcome the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Many carried signs thanking him for his achievements with the national team.
“I’ve been here since 5 a.m. and haven’t slept at all. I just want to tell Leo, ‘Thank you for bringing us so much happiness,'” one fan told La Nación.
After a short break, Messi will travel back to the United States to rejoin Inter Miami. He is also expected to play alongside fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, who recently joined the club.
Although Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi enjoyed another outstanding tournament. The 39-year-old scored eight goals and provided four assists, finishing as one of the competition’s standout performers.
