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Thousands welcome home Argentina squad, without Messi, despite World Cup loss

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Argentina's national football team rides aboard an open-top bus towards the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training camp in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, on July 20, 2026, after returning from the United States following its defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. [Luis ROBAYO / AFP]

Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain Monday to give a rapturous welcome to the Argentine football squad who landed back home without star Lionel Messi, after their World Cup final loss to Spain.

It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions celebrated their team's tournament victory in 2022, but fresh scenes of joyful chaos filled the street as they danced, sang and set off fireworks to thank the players.

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