Lionel Messi and his family return to Argentina on a quiet, fan-free flight

Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. After a loss to Spain in the final match, Messi opted for a low-profile arrival rather than joining the team for the public celebration in Ezeiza. He landed in the early morning hours with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The family immediately traveled to their home in the town of Fisherton.

This trip home serves as a period for the family to rest. Messi plans to spend time with his parents, including his father Jorge, who has been recovering from a recent health issue. Following this brief stay in his home country, he is scheduled to return to his training commitments with Inter Miami. The atmosphere of this return stands in contrast to previous tournament endings, reflecting the reality of the team’s second-place finish.

In the hours following the final in New Jersey, Messi shared a statement addressing the disappointment of the result. He acknowledged the pain of the defeat while noting the effort and unity of the national team throughout the tournament. He thanked the Argentine fans for their support and offered congratulations to the Spanish team for their championship victory.

Antonela Roccuzzo also addressed the result on social media, expressing her support and admiration for her husband’s career and character. She highlighted his persistent mentality throughout his career. The family now seeks privacy in their hometown as they move past the conclusion of what Messi described as his final World Cup experience.