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Lionel Messi is spending time in his hometown of Rosario, Santa Fe, following Argentina's heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Last weekend saw the curtain fall on the 2026 World Cup, with Messi reduced to tears after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium. Despite the scoreline, the game was not close in terms of quality, with Spain clearly the better side.
Messi, who had dragged Argentina to the final, was largely ineffective during the contest. Ugly scenes followed the final whistle at the end of extra time, with Leandro Parades grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling Gavi to the ground.
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While several of Messi's teammates remained in the U.S. for a vacation before the 2026/27 European soccer season gets underway, the remainder traveled home for an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.
However, Messi was not in attendance for the parade. Instead, he flew back alone from his teammates, returning home to Rosario to see family and friends after Argentina's defeat.
He will be spending time with his parents, Jorge Messi and Celia Cuucittini, both of whom were unable to attend the World Cup this summer due to his father's health issues.
The 39-year-old is expected to spend a few weeks on vacation before returning to Miami for the remainder of Inter Miami's 2026 MLS campaign. Asked about Messi and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul's return to Miami, coach Guillermo Hoyas said on Monday, "What they need now is resting with their loved ones. They will be there for as long as necessary."
International Players' Union FIFPRO gives players who featured at the World Cup a 21-day rest period following their participation in the tournament. Both Messi and De Paul featured in the World Cup final defeat to Spain on July 19, meaning they are allowed to be off until August 9.
They will miss Inter Miami's Wednesday night clash against Chicago Fire, as well as a handful of other fixtures.
Following Argentina's defeat to Spain, Messi broke his silence on Instagram with an emotional post reflecting on the summer tournament.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," Messi wrote. "But I also hold onto all the good things...
"The matches we turned around by giving it our all—moments that will remain in our memories forever—and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again.
"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message.
"Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship."
