Messi lands in Argentine hometown after WC defeat

Messi lands in Argentine hometown after WC defeat highlights Lionel Messi’s return to Rosario following Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain. The 39-year-old team captain arrived on Tuesday at Rosario Airport on a private jet at around 6:30 am (0930 GMT), traveling with his wife and three children, according to a local government source cited by AFP. A video from ESPN showed Messi entering a gated community in Funes via a gray SUV; the article notes this is where he typically stays during visits to Rosario. The broader context includes most of the national squad and coach Lionel Scaloni arriving in Buenos Aires on Monday night, where thousands of fans welcomed them with chants and tears. On Sunday, Messi and Argentina lost 1-0 after Spain won the final. The piece adds that Messi scored eight goals during this year’s tournament.