After Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the team returned home to a warm welcome from fans. However, according to talksport, captain Messi and 10 other teammates did not take part in the subsequent official celebration, choosing instead to leave North America separately.

In the World Cup final, Argentina failed to defend their title as Spain won 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres's only goal in extra time. Argentina did not register a single shot on target in 120 minutes, prompting criticism of manager Scaloni's team.

Despite the defeat, the Argentina national team returned home on Monday evening to a grand welcome. Upon arrival, the team was greeted with a red carpet, a military band, fireworks, and live music performances before traveling on an open-top bus through the main streets of Buenos Aires to the national team training base.

However, Messi and 10 teammates did not take part in this homecoming celebration, opting instead to leave separately after their stay in the United States.

The 10 players are: De Paul, Cristian Romero, Alvarez, Rulli, J. Musso, Paz, Giuliano, Lautaro, Molina, and Enzo.

Meanwhile, Messi flew to Malvinas International Airport before returning directly to his hometown of Rosario.

Messi, 39, is set to resume club play, with his Inter Miami team restarting their season this week. However, due to post-World Cup adjustment arrangements, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to have about three weeks of rest.

Argentine President Javier Milei personally arranged the team's homecoming celebration, hoping to boost morale. He said that although the team chose not to celebrate because they did not win the championship, their achievements still deserved recognition.

Milei said: "Faced with the disappointment of not winning the championship, they decided not to celebrate, but someone has to do what is due for this great team, the greatest team in history."

"In the past four World Cups, they have reached the final three times and won one championship. Considering their performance and the values they showed on the field, such a celebration is deserved."

Milei expressed understanding over Messi's absence from the celebration.

"Sometimes, it is hard for people to truly understand the historical significance of their achievements. We are all human and can make decisions based on our feelings."

"This is not a happy moment, and no words can describe it. He is a master of this Sport and has accomplished many incredible things."

"The football world owes him a debt of gratitude. We should respect his decision, because it is hard to accept that they were only one step away from the championship."

It is worth mentioning that after winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina had also planned an open-top bus parade, but due to the massive gathering of fans that paralyzed Buenos Aires, the team was eventually forced to change its route, and Messi and his teammates even had to take helicopters to the city center's Obelisco to complete the celebration.

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