Messi in Argentina: what's the car like that took him home to Rosario

Lionel Messi arrived in Rosario early Tuesday morning after concluding his participation in the World Cup final held in New Jersey. The football legend landed near 6:30 AM local time at the Rosario International Airport, known as Islas Malvinas, and was immediately taken to his residence in Funes by a specially arranged vehicle. The transport was a Toyota Hiace Wagon model year 2026, equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and an interior configuration designed to accommodate up to ten passengers. The vehicle, which measured 5.30 meters in length, 1.99 meters in width, and 1.97 meters in height, offered ample space for both passengers and luggage. This feature proved particularly useful during the journey, allowing Messi’s family, comprising his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, to travel directly from the airport to their home without needing additional vehicles. The Hiace was configured to carry substantial cargo, making it ideal for such trips involving multiple bags and personal items. The arrival of Messi's private jet, a Bombardier Global 6000 registered as N142QS operated by NetJets, was marked by heightened security measures. The aircraft had transported Messi from Fort Lauderdale following the World Cup final, where Argentina fell to Spain 1–0. Upon landing, the plane was directed to a secluded area of the airport, where a large security operation was already in place. Messi and his family completed their customs procedures onboard, before being picked up by the Toyota Hiace waiting on the tarmac. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the airport and nearby areas of the private neighborhood to welcome the captain of the national team. They carried signs expressing gratitude for Messi’s performance throughout the tournament. His presence in Rosario was brief, as he plans to return to the United States shortly to rejoin the Inter Miami squad, where he plays alongside Rodrigo De Paul. Messi did not arrive in Argentina with the rest of the national team delegation, which had previously landed at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport on Monday. Part of the squad, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, later moved to the Argentine Football Association headquarters, where they were greeted by thousands of supporters celebrating Argentina’s second-place finish in the 2026 World Cup. The Messi family’s home in Funes, located within the broader Rosario area, has become a focal point for fans and media since the World Cup. While Messi spent some days there with his loved ones, the focus will soon shift back to his professional commitments. The logistics of his return to the U.S. underscore the balance between personal life and international football obligations. The Toyota Hiace used for this trip exemplifies the level of preparation and support afforded to one of the world’s most iconic athletes.