WATCH: Lionel Messi returns home to Rosario after World Cup heartbreak; fans wait hours for a glimpse

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday for a short rest after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with hundreds of fans gathered before dawn hoping to catch a glimpse of their captain.Messi’s private jet landed near Rosario at 6:27 a.m. local time after departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in New Jersey.Although the airport was lined with fans carrying Argentine flags and welcoming banners, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not appear in public. Instead, supporters caught just a glimpse of the SUV that collected Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons before heading to the family compound in the private district of Funes, some 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires.According to an AP report, many supporters arrived as early as 3:30 a.m. (local time) hoping to welcome home the man who inspired Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final.Messi is also expected to reunite with his father Jorge Messi, who was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness at the time of the World Cup.WATCH:

An emotional message after another unforgettable World Cup

Messi’s return comes after he shared an emotional message about Argentina’s campaign and congratulated Spain on lifting the trophy.“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “But I’m also holding on to all the good… The games we turned around and gave it our all… this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.The Argentina captain also thanked the fans for standing by the team throughout the tournament.“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. We were able to unite as a country again… I also want to congratulate Spain for winning the championship,” he added.The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals and finished runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind France’s Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10.

The fans celebrate despite the final defeat

Argentina’s World Cup journey ended when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 win after extra time to give La Roja their second World Cup title.Despite the disappointment, thousands of supporters gathered at the iconic obelisk in Buenos Aires after the final, waving flags, singing and celebrating the team that came within one victory of retaining the World Cup.Earlier, 15 members of the Argentine team led by coach Lionel Scaloni also returned to Buenos Aires aboard a charter flight.For Messi, the visit to Rosario offers a chance to recharge after another tough World Cup before returning to club duties at Inter Miami, where he is expected to resume the MLS season in late July or early August.