Argentina’s national team has arrived back home after suffering a narrow defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but several of the squad’s biggest names were notably absent from the group that returned together.
The Albiceleste endured a heartbreaking end to an impressive tournament after falling 1-0 to Spain in the final. While many players and members of the coaching staff made the journey home, several key figures were not part of the returning delegation, sparking widespread discussion among supporters.
Among the players absent from the team’s return were captain *Lionel Messi*, goalkeeper *Emiliano Martínez*, midfielder *Rodrigo De Paul*, striker *Julián Álvarez*, and defender *Cristian Romero*, according to reports. Their absence led to speculation across social media, although no official indication suggested it was linked to disciplinary matters.
The majority of the squad, including *Alexis Mac Allister*, *Enzo Fernández*, *Nahuel Molina*, *Nicolás Otamendi*, *Nicolás González*, and *Germán Pezzella*, returned together after an emotional end to Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on lifting football’s biggest prize, Argentina earned praise for another remarkable tournament. Led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, the South American giants defeated Egypt in the Round of 16, Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and England in a dramatic semi-final before eventually losing to Spain in the final.
Fans gathered to welcome the returning players, applauding the team’s determination and resilience throughout the competition. Many supporters also paid tribute to Messi and the absent players, thanking them for their contributions during Argentina’s journey to the World Cup final.
With the tournament now over, Argentina’s players are expected to take a short break before rejoining their respective clubs ahead of the new season. The Argentine Football Association is expected to provide further updates regarding the absent players in the coming days.
- Although the final ended in disappointment, Argentina once again proved why they remain one of the world’s elite football nations, with a squad filled with talent that is expected to challenge for major honours in the years ahead.
