Messi and 9 other players did not return to Argentina: the reason is revealed

After the Argentina national team's 0-1 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, some of the players did not return to their homeland. Lionel Messi and nine other players decided to stay in the USA, report to their clubs, or begin their vacation.

According to TyC Sports, 16 players from the national team returned to Argentina. Messi's decision not to fly home is linked to his professional career in the USA.

Messi and De Paul stayed in the USA

Lionel Messi represents the club Inter Miami. For this reason, it is reported that he stayed in the USA after the World Cup instead of traveling to Argentina.

Along with him, his club teammate Rodrigo de Paul is also among the players who remained in the USA.

Other players headed to the countries where their clubs are based or went on short vacations. Therefore, there is no basis to interpret their failure to return to Argentina as dissatisfaction with the team or a reaction to the final defeat.

16 players returned to their homeland

After the end of the World Cup, part of the Argentine delegation returned to the country. According to reports, there were a total of 16 players on the plane.

They were welcomed by fans in Argentina. However, unlike the mass celebrations after the 2022 title, this time the team returned with silver medals.

Although the reigning world champion reached the final, a single goal scored in extra time proved decisive.

The final was unsuccessful for Messi

The regular time of the match against Spain ended in a 0-0 draw. In extra time, Ferran Torres scored against Argentina, securing the title for Spain.

This match was the least productive for Messi in the 2026 World Cup. For the first time in the tournament, the Argentina captain failed to record a goal or an assist.

Nevertheless, the 39-year-old finished the tournament with high individual statistics. He scored eight goals and provided four assists, playing a crucial role in his team's run to the final.

The top scorer record was also lost

After the final, Messi also lost his status as the top scorer in World Cup history. He was surpassed by French striker Kylian Mbappé by a one-goal margin.

If Messi had scored in the final, the situation in the race for the record could have changed again. But the Spanish defense limited the opportunities of the Argentine leader.

What is Messi's next plan?

Argentina lost the title in the final, but for Messi and a number of players, the club season continues soon. That is why they acted according to their own plans instead of returning to Buenos Aires with the national team.

Messi staying in the USA is not seen as an unexpected protest, but as a simple decision related to his career at Inter Miami. Now, the main focus will be on his club status after the 2026 World Cup and his future in the Argentina national team.