Argentina returned home on Monday evening to celebrate their successful Copa América title defense with thousands of fans. However, captain Lionel Messi did not join his teammates in Buenos Aires. Messi remained in Miami to receive treatment on a right ankle injury sustained during the final match.
The team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni and veteran winger Ángel Di María, arrived to a warm welcome in Buenos Aires. Fans celebrated Argentina's 16th Copa América win with a firework display and enthusiastic cheers. Di María, who played his last game for Argentina in the final against Colombia, expressed gratitude for the victory and bid farewell to the national team.
In an Instagram post, Messi provided an update on his condition, assuring fans that he is recovering well and looking forward to returning to the pitch soon. He expressed happiness over achieving their goal of winning the Copa América and praised the team's unity and spirit.
Argentina's triumph marked their third consecutive major trophy, following their Copa América victory in 2021 and World Cup win in 2022. The team's success also secured a record 16th Copa América title for Argentina.
Messi emphasized the camaraderie within the squad, describing them as both a team and a family. He thanked supporters for their encouragement and expressed optimism for the national team's future, highlighting the blend of experienced players and talented youngsters.
Reflecting on the emotional journey of winning the Copa América, Messi acknowledged the contributions of his teammates and the special bond that united them throughout the tournament. He concluded by affirming the team's strength and potential for continued success in upcoming competitions.
