Lionel Messi did not travel back to Argentina with the rest of the national team after their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Instead, the Argentine captain stayed in the United States to prepare for his return to club football with Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi prioritises Inter Miami duties

Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup title ended with a narrow extra time loss to Spain at MetLife Stadium. After the final, most of the squad returned to Argentina, but Messi remained in the US.

Lionel Messi ended the 2026 World Cup with 8 goals.
ZOOM IMAGE

The veteran forward stayed back because of his commitments with Inter Miami. With the Major League Soccer season continuing, Messi is set to rejoin his club immediately and focus on the remainder of the campaign.

The decision was made purely for football reasons and was not linked to any issue within the Argentina camp.

Lionel Messi got emotional after World cup final

The final defeat was a disappointing end to Argentina’s campaign after the team reached a second consecutive World Cup final. Messi played a key role throughout the tournament and once again led his side deep into the competition.

Lionel Messi didn't return with his Argentine teammates.
ZOOM IMAGE

Following the loss, the 39-year-old shared an emotional message on social media. He thanked the fans for their support and said he was proud of the team’s effort despite falling short in the title clash. Messi admitted the defeat was painful but praised his teammates for their commitment during the tournament.

Many believe this was Messi’s final FIFA World Cup appearance. Although Argentina could not defend the title they won in 2022, the captain once again showcased his quality on the biggest stage.

With the World Cup now over, Messi’s attention turns to Inter Miami as the club pushes for success in the MLS season. His immediate focus will be helping the team in domestic competition before making any decisions about his international future.

Despite the heartbreaking loss in the final, Messi’s performances throughout the tournament added another memorable chapter to his remarkable career. Argentina may have missed out on another World Cup trophy, but their captain once again proved why he remains one of the greatest players in football history.