EZEIZA, Argentina: 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.

Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday brought star forward Lionel Messi's dream of winning back-to-back trophies crashing down to earth.

BUENOS AIRES, July 19 : The streets of Buenos Aires slowly came back to life on Sunday evening as Argentines dressed in blue and white silently walked home from bars and viewing…