20/07/2026 18:25 - Deportes
After securing the World Cup runner-up position on July 19, 2026, following a 1-0 defeat against Spain, the Argentina National Team arrived in the country on July 20, 2026. Although there were no massive street celebrations in Buenos Aires, the reception at Ezeiza International Airport was filled with emotion, gratitude, and respect for a group that managed to reach two consecutive World Cup finals.
The Aerolineas Argentinas flight bringing the delegation back departed from New York at 8:17 AM and landed on Argentine soil around 6:30 PM. Upon arrival, the players led by Lionel Scaloni could see an emotional tribute on the main runway: the word GRACIAS (Thanks) painted across 150 meters. This work, which took 3 days of labor, used 20 cans of paint. The squad was escorted by the Mounted Grenadiers Regiment in a direct transfer to the AFA (Argentine Football Association) premises, similar to heads of state motorcades.
Captain Lionel Messi, who played his 33rd World Cup match and was substituted at the 70-minute mark by Giuliano Simeone in the final, did not return with his teammates. Alongside Rodrigo De Paul, he took a direct flight from New York to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami in the US league. Through his social media, Messi expressed: 'The pain is very great and it will take time to heal this wound,' but highlighted that 'once again we managed to unite as a country and stand together'.
Despite the squad's decision not to hold massive celebrations and the cold winter weather, hundreds of fans walked near the highway as far as the police operation allowed. With albiceleste (sky blue and white) flags, portraits of Messi and Maradona, and even improvising football matches and card games on the grass, the supporters showed that their pride in reaching the final surpasses the sadness of the result.
President Javier Milei had anticipated the possibility of decreeing a national holiday to enable a popular party, similar to 2022 when five million people flooded the streets. However, after informal consultations with the coaching staff and the AFA, the plan was suspended because there was no mood to celebrate and several players would not travel to Ezeiza. The Government ruled out the presence of political officials at the reception to 'not tarnish an achievement that belongs to this extraordinary group of players'. Meanwhile, Scaloni announced he will fulfill his contract until December 2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
