Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday for a period of rest after the World Cup final loss to Spain. His private jet landed from Florida in the early morning hours. Though fans gathered, Messi did not make a public appearance, instead being transported to a private neighborhood with his family. His father, Jorge, was waiting for him.

Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August to continue the MLS season. The majority of Argentina's World Cup squad, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday. The team's arrival followed their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This was Messi's third World Cup final appearance. He finished the tournament with eight goals, securing the runner-up position for the Golden Boot behind Kylian Mbappé.