Lionel Messi has spoken publicly after Argentina’s crushing 1–0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying the loss has left a scar that “will take a long time to heal.”
The 39-year-old icon shared an emotional message on social media after Argentina’s hopes of retaining the trophy were ended at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Messi entered the tournament aiming to help Argentina become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, and the final marked another dramatic chapter in a career that has stretched across six editions of the competition.
Spain claimed the title thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive strike in the 106th minute, bringing Argentina’s reign as world champions to an end and stopping them from becoming the first men’s side since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote to his millions of followers.
“But I also hold on to all the good. The matches we turned around, giving our all, matches that will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.”
Messi was visibly emotional at the final whistle while Spain celebrated a second world title, and later admitted that although the result was painful to take, he believed the better team had won on the night.
“They were better, to be honest,” Messi added in post-match remarks. “We lost the game, and we accept that. That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players, and the country.”
He rounded off his message by praising Spain’s achievement and thanking Argentine supporters for standing behind the team throughout the tournament.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian.”
Even with the disappointment of the final — and a tense aftermath that included Leandro Paredes being sent off — Messi still produced an outstanding tournament, ending it with eight goals and four assists.
The final also came with added historical weight for Messi, who had already added to his record-breaking World Cup legacy during the 2026 campaign. Across the tournament, he continued to build on his standing as one of the competition’s all-time greats, with Argentina once again leaning on his leadership, creativity and composure in the biggest moments.
After his statement was posted, Argentina’s official national team account offered a heartfelt response on X, writing: “Your tears are our tears, Captain. You gave us the greatest joys of our lives. We love you forever, Leo!”
It is still unclear whether this was Messi’s last World Cup appearance, but his words have struck a chord with fans across the globe as the game closes another memorable chapter in tournament history.