Messi is not returning on the Argentina plane.

The Argentina national team is preparing to return to their country on Monday after losing to Spain 0-1 in the 2026 World Cup final, amidst a calm atmosphere, with local media reports indicating that several of its players will not be on the return flight, including captain Lionel Messi.

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

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

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