The Emotional Aftermath of the 2026 World Cup Final
The journey of the Argentina national football team in the 2026 World Cup has come to a poignant close. After a grueling campaign that captured the hearts of millions, the defending champions finished as runners-up following a tense final against Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite a heroic performance, the match ended in a 1-0 defeat, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in second-half extra time. The game was marked by high drama, including a standout performance by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and the challenging expulsion of Enzo Fernández, who saw a second yellow card after a tactical foul to stop a Spanish counterattack.
Lionel Messi and the Split Departure
In a move that surprised many fans, captain Lionel Messi did not return to Argentina with the rest of the squad for the official celebrations. Instead, the legendary forward flew from New York to Miami alongside teammate Rodrigo De Paul to rejoin Inter Miami CF.
Both players are expected to have a few days of recovery before returning to the MLS, where Inter Miami is scheduled to face Chicago Fire this coming Wednesday. Several other players, including Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Paz, and Facundo Medina, also opted to fly directly to their respective clubs or destinations for rest.
A Squad Divided by Logistics, United by Pride
While Messi headed to the US, a significant portion of the delegation landed at Ezeiza International Airport. The returning group includes key figures such as:
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- Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez
- Julián Álvarez
- Enzo Fernández
- Lautaro Martínez
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Nicolás Otamendi
The FIFA World Cup cycle is always emotional, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) emphasized this in a heartfelt statement, describing the team as the “heritage of all Argentines” and praising the unconditional support received throughout the tournament.
The Uncertainty of Lionel Scaloni
One of the most shocking revelations following the final was the vulnerability shown by head coach Lionel Scaloni. In a post-match press conference, Scaloni questioned his ability to follow up such a massive achievement, casting doubt on his continuity as the leader of the Argentina national football team.
“I feel the need to think because I don’t know if I will be able to do something as great as this again,” Scaloni admitted, expressing gratitude to AFA President Claudio Tapia for the opportunity.
From National Holiday to Protocol Reception
The return of the team also sparked political movement in Argentina. President Javier Milei initially suggested declaring a national holiday to allow citizens to flood the streets in welcome of the team. However, the government later pivoted to a more controlled “protocol” reception at Ezeiza.
The welcoming ceremony, featuring the Granaderos and the Alto Perú Fanfare, served as a formal tribute to the athletes’ efforts before they departed for their own homes, marking the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new era for Argentine football.
