Messi returns to Argentina privately after World Cup final loss

Two days after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi returned to Argentina on a private jet, landing in Rosario early Tuesday morning. The captain, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, flew from Miami to Rosario's Islas Malvinas Airport around 6:30 a.m. local time, avoiding the official delegation that arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday Source: hoydo. He was taken directly to his family's home in the Kentucky Country Club in Funes, where he will rest before rejoining Inter Miami Source: clarin.

Team arrival and fan reception

Meanwhile, 16 players and coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni landed at Ezeiza Airport Monday evening aboard a special Aerolíneas Argentinas flight. Despite the loss, thousands of fans lined the streets in cold rain to greet the team as they traveled by open-top bus to the AFA training complex Source: lavanguardia. The Argentine government deployed 5,000 security personnel for the event Source: elespanol.

Messi's message and future

In an Instagram post Monday, Messi wrote: “The pain is very great and it will take time to close this wound,” but added he is left with “all the good things” and the support of the entire country Source: infobae. His father Jorge's health issues, which prevented him from traveling to the US, have been cited as one reason for Messi's separate return Source: listindiario. Messi's future with the national team remains uncertain, though he is expected to play for Inter Miami in the MLS soon Source: clarin.