Hundreds gather outside Messi’s childhood home in Rosario after World Cup final loss

Hundreds of Argentinians gathered outside the childhood home of football legend Lionel Messi in Rosario to express their support and affection after his return to his hometown following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Messi chose not to return with the national team, instead traveling alone from Florida to Rosario later, arriving late at night to rest and reflect on his future with the national side.

Reports suggest that one of the main reasons for his swift return, after spending only a few hours in Miami, was to check on his ailing father’s health. Messi appeared visibly affected since the tournament’s opening match and was seen in tears after scoring against Algeria.

Messi was also seen in tears after receiving the silver medal at New York New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium following the final loss, gazing at the crowd in a moment many interpreted as a possible farewell to his international career.

Upon his arrival at Las Malvinas Airport, Messi was welcomed by a large group of fans eager to greet him and show their support.

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Messi has yet to make a final decision about retiring from international football and did not address the issue in his recent post, in which he expressed sadness over the loss and congratulated Spain on their victory.

Meanwhile, Messi’s childhood home in Rosario has become a gathering point for fans, who left Argentine flags, national team shirts, flowers, and banners with messages of support and calls for him to continue leading the national team.

Messi lived in this house until the age of 13 before moving to Barcelona. The home, still owned by his family, features a large mural of Argentina’s all-time top scorer.