Elsa Pataky shared a series of rare family photos featuring her and Chris Hemsworth's three children after revealing their long-awaited trip to the FIFA World Cup final ended in heartbreak.
The Fast & Furious actress, 50, had travelled from Costa Rica with daughter India Rose, 14, and 12-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan, hoping to watch Spain take on Argentina in the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Instead, a travel nightmare meant the family never made it to the match. Taking to Instagram, Elsa shared several photos of her children wrapped in Spanish flags as they wandered through Times Square before posing together on the streets of New York.
© InstagramThe rare snapshots highlighted just how much the Hemsworth children have grown, with India now almost as tall as her famous mother, while Sasha and Tristan looked every bit the teenagers.
Alongside the images, Elsa explained in Spanish that their flight from Costa Rica to New York had been diverted to Philadelphia, leaving the family stranded for five hours.
© Instagram"We had tickets for the Spain vs Argentina final, a dream to see it with my children," she wrote.
"On the way from Costa Rica to New York, our plane was diverted to Philadelphia and we were trapped on the plane for five hours."
A heartbreaking disappointment
The actress admitted they missed the match entirely and instead watched the game from the aircraft. "We didn't make it to the final and had to watch it on the plane with Wi-Fi, crying because we were so close to seeing our country win," she wrote.
"I hadn't cried with my children like that for a long time." Elsa revealed that close friend and Australian television personality Liv Phyland managed to attend the match after travelling from Australia, although only five seats were available near her.
© Getty ImagesDespite the disappointment, Elsa said she was determined to make the best of the situation for her children.
"We took comfort in going to Times Square and showing my children the excitement of all the Spaniards who were there," she wrote. "Sometimes life doesn't let you! We tried everything."
A proud Spanish celebration
Fortunately, the trip ended on a happier note after Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
"The greatest joy is that we won and I feel proud to be Spanish!" Elsa concluded. "Ole España!"
Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of support, with many sharing similar travel horror stories.
One follower wrote: "What a shame. I understand your frustration." Another added: "At least Spain won. What a joy!"
© InstagramLife in Australia
Elsa and Chris have largely kept their three children out of the spotlight since relocating from Los Angeles to Byron Bay in 2014.
The couple have often spoken about wanting India, Sasha and Tristan to enjoy a quieter childhood away from Hollywood, making Elsa's latest family update particularly special for fans.
Although the trip didn't unfold as planned, the actress's candid post captured both the disappointment of missing a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event and the joy of celebrating Spain's historic victory together as a family.
