Lionel Messi has made his first public appearance since Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The Argentina captain attended a Primera C league match between Leones FC -- a club run by his family -- and Central Córdoba on Saturday at the Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium in Arroyo Seco, near his hometown of Rosario, where he is spending time with his family before resuming club duties with Inter Miami.

Although Messi arrived after kickoff wearing a black hoodie in an attempt to keep a low profile, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was quickly recognised by supporters. Television cameras and fans' mobile phones captured him watching the match from a balcony behind one of the goals.

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PHOTO: FACEBOOK

The 39-year-old acknowledged the crowd with a smile and a wave as children and supporters chanted his name, drawing warm applause from those in attendance.

On the pitch, however, there was little to celebrate for the home side. Leones suffered a 2-0 defeat to Central Córdoba, with Marcos Córdoba and Franco Fernandez scoring the goals. The loss leaves Leones fourth in Zone B with 29 points, seven behind league leaders Canuelas on 36 points.

Messi returned to Rosario after Argentina finished runners-up at the World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. While most of the Argentine squad, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, returned to Buenos Aires to receive a hero's welcome from thousands of fans, Messi travelled directly to Rosario to spend his break with family in nearby Funes.

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PHOTO: TYC Sports

His return to club football remains uncertain. Inter Miami have yet to announce when the Argentine superstar will rejoin the squad, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos recently saying there is "no return date" for the veteran forward.

Messi's brief appearance at his family's club marked his first public outing since the World Cup final and offered local fans a rare opportunity to see the football icon during his time back home.