Lionel Messi poses in front of World Cup mural after returning to Argentina

Lionel Messi returned to Argentina and spent time posing in front of a mural celebrating his 2022 World Cup victory.

The 36-year-old flew back to Buenos Aires to take part in Albiceleste’s upcoming international fixtures.Upon arrival, Messi posed for photos in front of a giant painting Picture yourself lifting a famous trophy Last December.

Messi posted the photo on Instagram with the caption “Always a pleasure to come back‘, or ‘It’s always nice to come back‘.

Lionel Messi flies to Argentina after Ballon d’Or match Inter Miami and New York City FC. The two teams failed to make the playoffs, so they played a friendly match to celebrate Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win.

Messi and Argentina international match day schedule

After winning the World Cup in Qatar Argentina celebrates, but the team has now recovered to qualify for the next game. The 2026 edition will be co-sponsored by: United States, Mexico and Canada and holders are no longer automatically eligible.

Argentina started the qualifying campaign very well. Four wins in the first four gamesbut their next two games are the toughest in the qualifying round.

On Thursday, November 16, they will face UruguayCurrently, they are in second place in the South American Qualifiers. Marcelo Bielsa’s side beat Brazil 2-0 in their last match.

Argentina face eternal rivals in their second game of the international break Brazil Tuesday, November 21st. Brazil haven’t been at their best in qualifying so far, but they are the only team in CONMEBOL who can compete with Argentina in terms of depth.