Without Messi, Argentine team set for low-key homecoming

Without Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup squad was set for a low-key return home after the team’s 1-0 final loss to Spain, with local reporting suggesting some players would not travel together. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that “some squad members” would depart directly from the United States to rejoin clubs or begin their rest period. Media reports indicated that neither captain Messi nor midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, his Inter Miami teammate, were expected to be on the flight. Coach Lionel Scaloni was also reportedly not expected to travel to Buenos Aires on the same trip. The team’s aircraft was expected to land around 6:30 p.m. local time, with no planned media call or special reception, Aerolineas Argentinas told AFP. Thousands still gathered at the Obelisk to celebrate, where fireworks and brief clashes left 15 detained. President Javier Milei said a future date could be declared a public holiday to mark the performance.