Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s open-top bus parade after thousands of fans welcomed the team back to Buenos Aires.La Albiceleste were unable to defend their title against Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the final in extra time.Argentina’s defensive game plan crumbled following Fernandez’s dismissalGettyFollowing the match, Lionel Scaloni’s men were heavily criticised for their performance after they failed to register a single shot on target across 120 minutes of play.Additionally, Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, while Leonardo Paredes and Nahuel Molina got involved in a physical altercation with the Spanish players after the final whistle blew.Despite the defeat, the Argentina national team arrived back home on Monday night to a red carpet, a military band, fireworks, and live music.They boarded an open-top bus and travelled along major streets in the capital, heading towards the squad’s national base.View Tweet: https://t.co/BueFHZDyC6However, their captain and ten other players decided to leave North America separately.Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Molina, and Fernandez all remained in the United States.Meanwhile, Messi flew to Islas Malvinas International Airport before heading directly to his home in Rosario.The 39-year-old faces a short turnaround with Inter Miami’s season resuming this week.David Beckham‘s MLS side face Chicago Fire on Thursday, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is not expected to feature and is entitled to a three-week break.Argentine president Javier Milei arranged the homecoming celebrations to boost the team’s spirits.Thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Buenos Aires to welcome home the national teamAFPArgentinians raised similar flags to what the team held in the semi-final against EnglandGettyHe said: “Faced with the disappointment of not having won, they decided not to celebrate, but someone had to do something befitting this wonderful team, the greatest in history.“In the last four World Cups, they reached three finals and won one. Given their performance and the values they displayed on the pitch, it had to be done.”When asked about Messi’s absence from the celebrations, Milei responded: “Sometimes it’s very difficult to grasp the historic significance of what they’ve achieved. “We’re human beings and we can make decisions based on how we feel.“This isn’t a moment that feels good. There are no words to describe it. He’s a master of the game; he’s done unimaginable things.“Football fans owe him a debt of gratitude. Let’s respect his decision; it’s hard to know they were just one step away.”Messi was in tears after collecting the second World Cup runners-up medal of his careerGettyThe president also confirmed plans for a national holiday to be scheduled to honour the squad’s achievements.It’s been widely suggested that the 39-year-old could retire from international football following the World Cup, after wearing boots inscribed with the phrase ‘El Ultimo Tango’ on his boot.It translates to ‘The Last Tango’, the detail hinted it was his final curtain call for his country.Following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, they had to abandon an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires as fans brought the nation’s capital to a standstill.On that occasion, Messi and his teammates were forced to board helicopters to complete their route to the central Obelisco monument.