Messi makes first public appearance since World Cup

Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since his heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

He is currently spending time with his family in his hometown of Rosario. On Saturday, he went to watch a Primera C League match at the Antonio de Giacomo stadium in Arroyo Seco.

The stadium is located near his hometown of Rosario. The match was between his family's club, Leones FC, and Central Cordoba.

Messi arrived on the field after the match started, trying to hide himself by wearing a black hoodie. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was quickly recognized by the fans. He was caught on television cameras and on the mobile phones of spectators, watching the match from a balcony behind the goalposts.

The 39-year-old Messi smiled and waved to the audience. Children and fans chanted his name, and everyone in attendance gave him a warm welcome.

But there was little to celebrate for the home team on the pitch. Leones lost 2-0 to Central Cordoba. The loss left Leones in fourth place in Zone B with 29 points, seven points behind leaders Canuelas, who have 36 points.

Messi returned to Rosario after finishing runners-up in the World Cup. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. Most of Argentina's players, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, returned to Buenos Aires and were given a hero's welcome by thousands of fans. However, Messi went straight to Rosario. He is vacationing with his family in the nearby town of Funes.

It is not yet clear when he will return to club football. The club's head coach, Guillermo Hoyos, recently said there was "no fixed date" for the veteran forward's return.

Messi's brief appearance at his family club was his first public appearance since the World Cup final, giving local fans a rare chance to see the football legend up close.