WATCH: Messi spotted in Rosario for first time since painful World Cup final defeat as fans cheer

Messi made his first public appearance after World Cup heartbreak, watching a local match in Rosario before returning to Inter Miami / Image: X Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opting to spend time close to home in Rosario before returning to club football with Inter Miami.The 39-year-old captained Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final but was unable to prevent La Albiceleste from losing 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand Spain their second World Cup title.Messi again proved key to Argentina’s run, finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists, although he was visibly emotional after the final whistle and left the pitch in tears in what was widely expected to be his last World Cup appearance.

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Since then, the Argentina captain has largely stayed out of the public eye. He only posted a short message on social media after the defeat and did not travel back to Argentina with the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s squad, instead returning privately to his hometown of Rosario with his family.

First appearance since the World Cup final

Messi was filmed attending a local soccer match with Leones FC, his first public appearance since the World Cup final.A video shared by Argentinian outlet Cadena 3 Rosario showed the Inter Miami forward watching the game from the stadium balcony, dressed casually in a black hoodie and cap. When fans spotted him and started chanting his name, Messi smiled, waved and acknowledged the crowd before continuing to watch the match.The broadcaster later wrote on social media that Messi was in Arroyo Seco to watch Leones FC in action and shared footage of the Argentina legend greeting supporters during the visit.Earlier in the day, other videos circulating on social media showed Messi walking through the streets of Rosario alongside his children. Wearing a hooded jacket and cap, the World Cup-winning captain appeared quiet and reserved, with many supporters noting the contrast between his subdued expression and his usually relaxed demeanor.

Support of a family football project

The visit was of particular importance as Leones FC is closely associated with Messi and his family.The club was founded in 2015 by the Messi family, is chaired by his brother Matías Messi, and currently competes in Argentina’s Primera C, the fourth tier of the country’s football pyramid. The team plays its home games at the Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium in Arroyo Seco, just outside of Rosario.Messi’s appearance was widely seen by the Argentine media as a show of support for the family project, which has grown steadily since its inception more than a decade ago.Although the visit attracted considerable attention, it also reflected the striker’s preference to spend time with his family in Rosario after one of the most emotionally difficult defeats of his career.

Time to recover before Inter Miami comes back

Messi is expected to return to Inter Miami shortly after the MLS season resumes, although the club are understood to be giving their captain time to recover physically and mentally following Argentina’s tough World Cup campaign.The experienced forward led Argentina for most of the tournament and once again showed his enduring quality despite turning 39 during the competition. His performances helped guide the defending champions back to another World Cup final before Spain ended their title defense for good through Torres’ extra time.But for now, football has receded into the background.Rather than immediately return to club duties or media appearances, Messi has opted for the familiarity of Rosario, spending time with his family and supporting the local club that bears his family’s imprint, before preparing for the next chapter of his career at Inter Miami.