Argentina returns home after 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain

Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in the United States. The team had advanced by defeating England 2-1 in the semifinal. The squad flew back on July 20 and landed near Ezeiza international airport.

The Argentine Football Association had stated earlier that some players would not return on the flight. Captain Lionel Messi did not descend from the aircraft, according to local television images. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the remaining players were greeted with a red carpet and a military band.

Thousands of fans waited outside the AFA training complex near the airport in cold and rainy conditions, draped in flags and holding blue-and-white umbrellas. Marga Ledezma, 36, said Argentinians would celebrate anyway and thanked Messi for the years he made them happy. Leonardo Barrientos, 36, said the team united the country and that Messi gave it his all.

Maria Ortiz, 28, said Spain deserved the win but expressed happiness for what the team had given Argentines. On the evening of July 19, thousands gathered at the Obelisk monument in Buenos Aires and set off fireworks. Late that night clashes broke out.

Police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, and 15 people were detained.