New Delhi, July 21 -- Argentina returned home to a hero's welcome despite their heartbreaking 0-1 World Cup final defeat to Spain. Thousands of supporters braved the cold and rain to greet the squad in Buenos Aires.

Coach Lionel Scaloni led the team off the plane to a red-carpet reception. A military band performed as the players arrived back at Ezeiza International Airport.

Captain Lionel Messi, however, did not return with the main squad on the flight. The Argentine Football Association earlier confirmed that several players would not be on the aircraft. Messi's absence was prominent in the images broadcast on local Argentine television.

Several Argentine players did not return home immediately after the tournament. These include Rod...