Argentina’s president surprised Messi and his teammates despite losing the World Cup.

Argentine President Javier Mele has announced that he will declare a national holiday on the day the Argentina national team chooses to celebrate with their fans after returning home from their 0-1 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, reflecting the country’s appreciation for the team’s achievement in reaching the final.

“Given the concern of celebrating the achievement of the Argentine national team, I inform the public that depending on what the players and the coaching staff decide on the day of celebration, it will be declared a national holiday,” Mele wrote on his social network page, adding: “Thank you very much, players.

The announcement comes as the team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, prepares to return to Argentina on Monday afternoon, with their arrival scheduled for around 17:00 local time, although there is no official confirmation yet on when or how the celebrations with fans will take place.

Argentina’s soccer association explained in an official statement that some players will travel directly from the United States to various destinations to join their clubs or begin a rest period, while part of the delegation, which includes players, coaching staff and other staff, will return to the country, without specifying where the team will go after landing or plans to organize celebrations with fans.

Days before the final, Milli introduced the Argentine government headquarters, Casa Rosada, so that the team could celebrate from the presidential balcony if they won the world title. He also disclosed that the General Secretariat of the Presidency, headed by Karina Milli, and the Military House are working to facilitate the celebrations, while the Ministry of Security and the Federal Forces have begun developing a special plan for the return of the delegation.

As part of these preparations, the Argentine Football Association announced last Saturday the suspension of all matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in the various categories of Argentine football, with the aim of prioritizing the return of the national team.

Tens of thousands of Argentinians took to the streets across the country last Sunday after Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal saw Spain crowned champions, to show their support and gratitude for the team reaching the final and coming close to winning the tournament for the second time.

The president of Argentina expressed his gratitude to the captain of the national team, Lionel Messi, for the “enormous joys” he brought to the country, saying in an interview with Radio Miter. “A man who has spent more than 20 years at the highest levels of a particular sport deserves admiration. Moreover, he has brought great happiness to all Argentines and to all those who enjoy good football.”

Milli also described coach Lionel Scaloni as a “deserved person” and an “exceptional leader”, saying he wanted to “follow his heart and achieve happiness and all the achievements of life”, after the Argentine coach passed up the chance to complete his tenure in charge of the national team, saying he “needs some time to decide” with Football Association president Claudio.

In a statement, the Argentine Football Association “expressed its deep gratitude to every Argentine who accompanied the team during the 2026 World Cup”, stressing that “the tenderness we received during the journey, the flags, the messages, the processions, the hugs and the unconditional support proved once again that the national team is the heritage of all Argentines”.