20/07/2026 15:05 - Deportes
On July 20, 2026, the Argentine National Team is making its way back to the country following a sensational run in the 2026 World Cup, where they secured the silver medal after falling to Spain in the final held on July 19. An Aerolíneas Argentinas charter flight departed from New York shortly after 8:17 AM (local time) and is estimated to touch down at Ezeiza International Airport around 6:30 PM (Argentine time), concluding an approximately 11-hour journey.
Despite the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles, the squad led by head coach Lionel Scaloni left everything on the pitch, finishing as the tournament's top-scoring team with 19 goals. The entire nation is preparing to welcome back these warriors who have brought us so much joy in recent years. This information has been gathered and reported by local sports outlets such as Infobae and Olé.
Not all players are returning with the main delegation. A total of 10 footballers have departed directly from the United States to their respective destinations to rest or join their European clubs or Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.
The most notable absentee is Lionel Messi, who will travel to Miami with his family and teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The list of the other eight players who will not be arriving at Ezeiza this afternoon includes:
The remaining 16 players, the coaching staff led by Scaloni, and the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, are all returning on the charter flight.
From the Casa Rosada (the seat of the national government), and through a statement covered by TN, it was confirmed that a national holiday has been ruled out. This decision respects the squad's wishes to avoid massive public celebrations following their runner-up finish.
Instead, a protocol reception will be organized on the Ezeiza airport tarmac. No national government officials will attend, aiming to keep the moment strictly about the players and the fans, avoiding any political tone. President Javier Milei had previously stated: 'No one is going to interfere, no one is going to steal the spotlight, the moment, and the space that belongs to them and the fans.'
After a formal welcome by federal guards, the squad will be transported directly to the AFA training complex in Ezeiza.
The Ministro Pistarini International Airport (commonly known as Ezeiza) prepared an emotional surprise for the players arriving this afternoon. On the landing runway, the word '¡¡GRACIAS!!' (Thank You) was painted in gigantic dimensions, measuring 150 meters in length. This tribute, which will be visible from the air right before touching Argentine soil, required 20 cans of paint, 100 stakes, and three days of hard work by the airport staff.
The head coach of the 'Scaloneta' moved everyone by shedding tears during the post-match press conference. Scaloni confirmed that he will fulfill his contract until December 2026, at which point he will 'surely cut' his cycle and evaluate his personal future. This opens a period of uncertainty but also brings profound gratitude for everything the team has achieved under his leadership.
The AFA issued a statement thanking the fans for their unconditional support throughout the entire 2026 World Cup.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
