The scene was strikingly similar to the celebrations that followed Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar -except this time, the team was returning without the trophy, after being deafeted by Spain in the final match of the World Cup 2026. RELATED: CONMEBOL Confirms FIFA World Cup 2030 Centenary Matches in South AmericaBefore the wheels touched the runway, Minister Pistarini Airport workers had already prepared its own message. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi was the first to descend the stairs, accompanied by Scaloni and Argentinean Football Association (AFA) President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. “It will take time for this wound to close,” the captain wrote, acknowledging the pain of falling short in what is widely believed to have been his final World Cup appearance. Coach Lionel Scaloni has not yet announced whether there will be a formal event or public celebration to acknowledge the team’s achievement.