Lionel Messi is set to slip quietly back to his hometown rather than lead a triumphant open-top bus parade, after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain prompted the government to scrap plans for a mass celebration.
Officials in Buenos Aires have restricted the national team’s return on Monday to a brief, closed reception at Ezeiza Airport, Argentine media report, abandoning any idea of a large-scale public event amid the sombre mood following the 1–0 loss.
Government shelves public celebrations
According to reports quoting a senior source inside the presidential palace, the proposal for a popular street celebration to welcome back the players has been “completely discarded” in light of the reaction to losing the title.
Instead, the squad will be greeted only by security forces and fire engines in a low-key ceremony on the tarmac at Ezeiza, on the outskirts of the capital. No rally, motorcade or gathering of fans is expected to be organised by the authorities.
The move marks a sharp contrast with Argentina’s jubilant scenes in 2022, when millions poured into the streets after Messi and his teammates lifted the World Cup in Qatar and had to be airlifted from their bus by helicopter as crowds overwhelmed the planned route.
Messi to head straight home
Messi himself has opted for privacy and rest rather than a prolonged stay in Buenos Aires.
Pablo Gravellone, a journalist with TN Sports, wrote on X: “ميسي سيصل غدا الى روساريو ويتوجه مباشرة الى فونيس. انه وقت للراحة والعايلة”.
He added: “لم يخبر ميسي احدا ان هذه كانت مباراته الاخيرة في المنتخب. بالطبع كان هذا اخر مونديال له، لكنه لم يحدد شييا بشان مستقبله القريب”.
Rosario is Messi’s birthplace, while his family home is in Funes, a quieter town close to the city. The 37-year-old World Cup winner is expected to travel there directly after landing, avoiding any public appearances in the capital.
Future with national team remains open
Gravellone’s comments underline that, despite widespread speculation, Messi has not formally drawn a line under his international career.
While it is broadly accepted that this was his final World Cup appearance, the forward has made no definitive statement on whether he will continue playing for Argentina in upcoming international windows or at future continental tournaments.
His decision to prioritise “rest and family” in the immediate aftermath of the defeat suggests he will take time before settling on his next steps with the national side.
A muted return after crushing loss
Argentina’s decision to limit the welcome ceremony reflects a country still processing the disappointment of losing a World Cup final that many had hoped would deliver another historic chapter in Messi’s storied international career.
Instead of the deafening celebrations that marked previous triumphs, the national team – and its greatest star – will return to a more subdued, almost private Argentina, with attention now turning to whether Messi will pull on the famous light blue and white shirt again.
