Argentina National Team Returns to Ezeiza: Messi’s Absence, Fan Welcome, and Latest Updates

The Argentina national team returned to Buenos Aires on Monday, July 20, landing at Ezeiza International Airport following their recent international commitments. While the squad was greeted by crowds of fans and a significant security operation, Lionel Messi was notably absent from the arrival flight, according to reports from Clarin and TN.

Player Arrivals and the Absence of Lionel Messi

The team’s aircraft touched down at Ezeiza, where players disembarked and greeted supporters from the team bus. According to Clarin, the atmosphere was celebratory, with players offering waves and greetings to the gathered crowd. However, the most prominent figure in the squad, Lionel Messi, did not arrive on the team plane. Reports from TN and Clarin confirmed his absence during the landing and the subsequent transit from the airport.

The return saw a mix of established stars and returning squad members. While the specific roster of returning players was tracked in real-time by local outlets, the focus remained on the logistics of the arrival and the missing captain.

Security Logistics and Government Coordination

The arrival was not a simple landing; it involved a “mega operative” to manage the crowds of fans waiting at the airport, as reported by Infobae. The scale of the public gathering required coordinated efforts between local law enforcement and airport security to ensure the safe transit of the players from the tarmac to the buses.

Behind the scenes, the arrival involved high-level coordination. La Nación reported that the Argentine government engaged in “secret gestures” and coordination with Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), to organize the logistics of the team’s return. This level of government involvement underscores the national importance of the Selección and the potential for public disorder given the team’s popularity.

Public Impact and the ‘Feriado’ Question

The return of the team sparked immediate discussions regarding public holidays. According to TN, there were inquiries and reports circulating about whether the arrival of the squad would coincide with or trigger a feriado (public holiday). While fans often call for such measures to celebrate national sporting achievements, official confirmation of a holiday specifically for this landing was a central point of the live coverage on Monday.

The scene at Ezeiza was characterized by hours of waiting. Infobae’s photographic coverage detailed the density of the crowds, showing fans arriving well before the plane touched down to secure a vantage point near the bus route.

Summary of Arrival Events

Share your thoughts on the team’s return in the comments below.