“The pain is immense,” Messi says after World Cup final loss
The Argentina captain shared an emotional message on Instagram after his team’s extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
“The pain is immense, and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote.
However, he said he would always cherish the positive memories from Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Messi said it was difficult to appreciate the team’s achievements immediately after the defeat, but he praised his teammates for reaching two consecutive World Cup finals.
The 39-year-old also congratulated Spain on winning the title and acknowledged the team’s outstanding performance in the final. Messi was seen in tears after the match. Argentina’s road to the final included comeback victories over Egypt and England. The team also needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland in the knockout stage.
Also Read: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026
Reflecting on the tournament, Messi thanked the Argentine fans for their unwavering support and said the team’s hard work had once again placed the country among the world’s top football nations. Despite scoring eight goals during the tournament, Messi was unable to make a decisive impact in the final, as Spain comfortably controlled the match.
The defeat marked Messi’s second World Cup final loss after his first in 2014. He previously lifted the famous trophy in 2022 when Argentina defeated France. According to Argentine media reports, Messi is not expected to return to Buenos Aires with the rest of the squad, as the team prepares for a subdued homecoming following the final defeat.
