Argentina's national team returns to the country, LIVE: arrival time, reception and players list

The Argentine national football team has returned to the country after its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the squad arriving at Buenos Aires International Airport Ezeiza. The return was marked by live updates detailing the arrival time, reception plans, and the list of players who made the trip. Among those returning were key players such as Dibu Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Lisandro Martínez, Cuti Romero, Lautaro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Giuliano Simeone, and Nicolás Otamendi. These players, along with the coaching staff, were set to participate in celebrations following the team’s achievement of finishing as runners-up in the qualifying campaign. The flight departed from New York and was scheduled to land at Ezeiza, bringing together the majority of the squad. However, not all players were included in the return. Several athletes opted to remain abroad. Among them were goalkeepers Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Paz, and Marcos Senesi, as well as defenders Facundo Medina, Valentín Barco, Nicolás González, Juan Manuel López, and Juan Musso. Their absence was noted in reports from local media, which highlighted the varying decisions among the players regarding their return to Argentina. A notable exception was Lionel Messi, who did not travel back with his teammates. According to recent reports, the captain of the Argentine national team chose instead to fly directly from New York to Miami, where he would reunite with his club, Inter Miami, in the United Soccer League. This decision came amid speculation about his future in international football, though no official statement was released from either the player or his representatives. The absence of Messi from the return trip sparked discussions among fans and analysts, many of whom expressed surprise at the move. The timing of the return coincided with the buildup to the upcoming matches in the South American Championship, which will take place later this year. The team's performance in the World Cup qualifiers has positioned them strongly for the tournament, and the return to Argentina is expected to serve as a morale boost ahead of the competition. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the squad, with plans for a public reception planned in Buenos Aires. The selection of players who returned reflects both strategic and personal considerations. Some players had commitments with their clubs, while others may have chosen to focus on domestic leagues or personal matters. The absence of certain players, including Messi, underscores the complex dynamics within the team and the broader football landscape. As the team prepares for its next challenge, the return to Argentina marks a pivotal moment in the season. The arrival of the majority of the squad at Ezeiza airport signals the start of a new phase in the team’s journey. With the World Cup qualifiers behind them, the focus shifts to the upcoming continental championship, where Argentina aims to maintain its dominance. The reception plans, though not yet fully detailed, are expected to include appearances at stadiums and public events, reinforcing the team’s connection with its supporters. The return of the players represents more than just a physical movement, it symbolizes the continuation of a successful chapter in Argentine football history.