Argentina were left stunned by their defeat to Spain. While the national team is due to return home to be welcomed by supporters and the country’s president, Lionel Messi will not take part in the reunion.
There will be no Lionel Messi for the runners-up’ guard of honour. The Albiceleste were expected to return to Buenos Aires in the coming hours after losing the World Cup final, but according to La Nación, Messi chose to leave the squad directly rather than travel back to Argentina with his teammates.
Messi Heads Straight Back to Miami
The Argentina captain reportedly travelled to Miami with Rodrigo De Paul. Both players are expected to rejoin their club quickly, with the new MLS season about to begin. Messi will therefore also miss the planned reception with the country’s authorities.
Read More
However, Messi is not the only senior player who will be absent. Enzo Fernández, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Paz, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Juan Musso will also not return with the delegation.
Several of Argentina’s leading players will instead head directly back to their clubs. The team will still receive a welcome at home, but without many of its biggest stars—and, above all, without Lionel Messi.
