Thousands welcome home Argentina squad, without Messi, despite World Cup loss
EZEIZA, Argentina: Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain Monday to give a rapturous welcome to the Argentine football squad who landed back home without star Lionel Messi, after their World Cup final loss to Spain. It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions celebrated their team’s tournament victory in 2022, but fresh scenes of joyful chaos filled the street as they danced, sang and set off fireworks to thank the players. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said earlier that some squad members would not be on the flight, and iconic team captain Messi was not seen descending from the aircraft in images broadcast on local television. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were welcomed with a red carpet outside the aircraft and a military band. They then boarded a bus, waving to frenzied fans along the way. Despite falling short of a second straight championship, “Argentines will celebrate anyway,” said housewife Marga Ledezma.
