WATCH: Messi elicits cheers from fans as he appears in Rosario for first time since painful World Cup final defeat | Football News

Messi made his first public appearance since World Cup heartbreak, attending a local game in Rosario before returning to Inter Miami / Picture: X

Lionel Messi Since Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has chosen to spend time close to home in Rosario before playing football with Inter Miami.The 39-year-old captain guided Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final but was unable to prevent Albiceleste from losing 1-0 after extra time at the New York Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to lift Spain to a second world title.Messi once again proved the heartbeat of Argentina, finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists, although he was visibly emotional after the final whistle, breaking down in tears on the pitch after what was widely believed to be his last World Cup appearance.

Since then, the Argentina captain has largely stayed out of the public eye. He only posted a brief message on social media after the defeat and did not return to Argentina with the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s squad, instead returning privately to his hometown of Rosario with his family.

First appearance since the World Cup final

Messi was photographed attending a football match at local club Leones, making his first public appearance since the World Cup final.Video shared by Argentinian outlet Cadena 3 Rosario showed the Inter Miami forward wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and hat while watching the game from a stadium balcony. When supporters spotted him and started chanting his name, Messi smiled and waved to the crowd before continuing to watch the game.The broadcaster later wrote on social media that Messi had attended a Leone FC match in Arroyo Seco, sharing footage of the Argentina legend greeting supporters during the visit.Earlier in the day, other videos circulating on social media showed Messi walking through the streets of Rosario with his children. The World Cup-winning captain looked quiet and reserved in a hooded jacket and cap, with many supporters noticing the stark contrast between his soft expression and his usual relaxed demeanor.

Football programs that support families

The visit takes on additional significance as Liones Football Club has close ties with Messi and his family.The club was founded in 2015 by the Messi family and is chaired by his brother Matías Messi, and currently competes in Serie A, the fourth tier of the Argentine football pyramid. The team plays its home games at the Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium in Arroyo Seco, outside Rosario.Messi’s presence was widely seen in the Argentinian media as support for the family-run project, which has grown steadily since its inception more than a decade ago.While the visit attracted considerable attention, it also reflected the striker’s preference to spend time with his family in Rosario after enduring one of the most emotionally difficult defeats of his career.

Time to recover before Inter Miami returns

Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami shortly after the MLS season resumes, although it is understood the club is giving the team time to recover physically and mentally after Argentina’s difficult World Cup campaign.The veteran striker led Argentina through most of the game and once again showed his enduring ability despite turning 39 during the tournament. His performance helped the defending champions return to the World Cup finals, with Spain finally ending their title defense through Torres’ extra-time winner.For now, however, football has taken a back seat.Messi did not immediately return to the club to fulfill his duties or appear in front of the media, instead opting for the familiarity of Rosario, spending time with his family, supporting a local club that bears his family’s stamp, and then preparing for the next chapter of his Inter Miami career.