(Video) Messi makes his first public appearance since the 2026 World Cup final

Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since Argentina's World Cup final defeat returning to Rosario to support his brother's club.

Following Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 extra time defeat against Spain at MetLife Stadium, where Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal, the Argentine captain flew straight home to process the loss.

Seeking peace in his hometown of Rosario, Messi was spotted attending a local fourth tier match at the Estadio Antonio Di Giacomo on Saturday evening.

Supporting family & grassroots football

Messi was in attendance to support Leones de Rosario, an amateur club currently managed by his brother, Matías Messi.

Playing in the Argentine Primera C (fourth division), Leones de Rosario faced off against Central Córdoba, ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 defeat.

Despite the loss, Messi watched intently from the stands taking time to support his family's sporting endeavor as the team sits fourth in the league standings after 20 rounds.

Video clips of the 39 year old legend quietly watching the grassroots fixture quickly went viral across social media. Fans were touched to see the icon returning to his roots and surrounding himself with family and local supporters just days after the grueling emotional toll of back to back World Cup finals.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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