Lionel Messi watched a Primera C league match on Saturday in his first public appearance since Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain.
The Argentina captain attended the match between Leones FC and Central Cordoba at Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium in Arroyo Seco near Rosario.
Leones FC is owned by Messi’s family. The forward is spending time with his family before returning to Inter Miami.
Messi arrived after the match had started. He wore a black hoodie and tried to stay out of the spotlight. Fans quickly recognised him. Many supporters took photos and videos as he watched the game from a balcony behind one of the goals.
The 39-year-old smiled and waved at the crowd. Fans cheered his name and gave him a warm welcome.
Leones could not celebrate on the field. Central Cordoba won the match 2-0. Marcos Cordoba and Franco Fernandez scored the goals.
The defeat left Leones in fourth place in Zone B with 29 points. League leaders Canuelas have 36 points.
Messi returned to Rosario after Argentina finished runners up at the World Cup. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Most of the Argentina squad travelled back to Buenos Aires with coach Lionel Scaloni. Thousands of fans welcomed them home. Messi instead went straight to Rosario. He is staying with his family in nearby Funes during his break.
There is still no date for his return to Inter Miami. The club has not announced when he will rejoin the team. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos recently said there is no return date for the veteran forward.
Messi’s visit to his family’s club was his first public outing since the World Cup final. It also gave local supporters a rare chance to see one of football’s biggest stars back in his hometown.
