The 39-year-old superstar bypassed the main squad’s arrival and open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires, choosing instead to fly directly home on a private jet.
Arrival Details
- Messi landed at Rosario International Airport around 6:27 AM local time alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
- Hundreds of devoted fans gathered outside the airport from as early as 3:30 AM, holding flags and banners in anticipation.
- He was quickly transferred via an SUV with tinted windows to the family home in the private neighbourhood of Funes.
The trip also allows Messi to reunite with his father, Jorge Messi, who underwent medical treatment during the tournament.
Message to Fans
In an emotional Instagram post reflecting on the tournament, Messi wrote:
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I cherish all the good moments, memories that will last forever — and the support of an entire nation which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, propelled us once again into the ranks of the world’s best.”
Looking Ahead
Messi is expected to take time to recover physically and mentally before returning to MLS action with Inter Miami later in the season.
This homecoming provides a moment of peace for one of football’s greatest-ever players after another emotionally charged World Cup campaign.
Thank you for everything, Leo.