Eleven Argentina players missed their team's bus parade in Buenos Aires after the World Cup final. Lionel Messi was among the absentees and opted to travel to his homeland separately from his team-mates.
The World Cup has concluded, with Spain crowned champions. But the final in New Jersey was a scrappy affair, after which Argentina were branded a disgrace. Lionel Scaloni's men engaged in a handful of altercations throughout the game itself, with Enzo Fernandez sent off after receiving two yellow cards. But it was after the game that proceedings turned remarkably sour and two La Albiceleste players appeared to throw punches at the opposition. The team has faced calls to be kicked out of the next World Cup and will likely receive fines.
Bus parade and absent players
Argentina's squad have since returned home, though 11 stars did not accompany the main group to Buenos Aires and Messi undertook a completely separate journey back to his homeland. In the aftermath of their widely condemned showing in the final, manager Scaloni and 15 of his players touched down at Ezeiza International Airport to a rapturous reception on Monday evening, despite the 1-0 loss they had endured.
After the plane's arrival, Argentine Football Association president Chiqui Tapia, manager Scaloni and experienced defender Nicolas Otamendi headed the group along a red carpet before climbing aboard an open-top bus. The vehicle made its way through major thoroughfares towards the AFA training complex in Buenos Aires.
Messi's separate journey
Messi was nowhere to be seen. The 15 players will shortly commence their holidays from the AFA headquarters. However, 11 stars did not accompany their colleagues. Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Nahuel Molina and Fernandez stayed behind in the United States. They are expected to begin their holidays from the US.
Messi was the 11th player absent from the journey, though he did fly to Argentina. At 6:28am local time on Tuesday, he touched down at Islas Malvinas International Airport before making his way to his residence in Rosario. Following a layover in Miami, Messi arrived in his homeland from New York and will recuperate with his family in the gated estate of Kentucky in Funes. He was also met by throngs of supporters upon landing, but chose not to reunite with his colleagues in Buenos Aires.
Messi will depart for Miami to rejoin his Inter Miami team-mates following adequate rest in Rosario. His parents were unable to attend the World Cup owing to his father Jorge's health concerns.
