Following a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinals, Lionel Messi and his teammates were due to fly to New York on July 16 (local time) to prepare for the World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey on July 19.
However, their preparations have been disrupted after their flight was delayed due to heavy rain and fierce thunderstorms, The Sun newspaper reported.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal victory over England, July 15, 2026. Photo by AFP
Reports said the entire Argentina squad and delegation were stranded until operations resumed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, New Straits Times Online reported.
The delay disrupted Argentina's preparations for the final, with the squad eventually arriving in New York early on July 17, Daily Express reported. This means the team would have barely a day to train before the final.
