After losing 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the Argentina national team is preparing to return home on Monday in a subdued atmosphere, with local media reports indicating that several players will not be on the return flight, most notably captain Lionel Messi.

The Argentine Football Association announced late Sunday-Monday that 'some members of the team will travel directly from the United States to various destinations to join their clubs or begin a rest period,' without providing further details.

Argentine media reported that Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, will not return with the team's delegation.

Reports also indicated that coach Lionel Scaloni will not be on the flight to Buenos Aires either.

The delegation is expected to arrive around 18:30 local time (21:30 GMT), according to Argentine Airlines, which told AFP that 'no media invitation or special reception ceremony' has been planned.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, thousands of Argentines headed to the famous obelisk in Buenos Aires, the traditional site for celebrations, where they spent Sunday evening in a festive atmosphere with fireworks and chants expressing gratitude to the team.

Late at night, limited clashes broke out at the monument, and police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the celebrants. Fifteen people were arrested, according to local police sources.

Many fans told AFP they plan to take to the streets to welcome the team upon its return.

After the final match, President Javier Milei announced that a date would be set later in coordination with the team to declare a public holiday in celebration of the team's achievements in the World Cup, without providing further details.

In 2022, after winning the World Cup in Qatar, the 'Albiceleste' received a historic public welcome, with millions of people lining the 30-kilometer route taken by the open-top bus.

However, the crowd density forced authorities to cancel the parade for security reasons, before some players continued the celebration with a helicopter tour over the main celebration sites.