Lionel Messi has finally opened up after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup 2026 final, describing the loss as a wound that “will take time to heal.”
Ferran Torres struck in extra time to hand Spain their second World Cup title, ending Argentina’s reign as world champions after their 2022 triumph in Qatar. The result also means Messi has now lost two World Cup finals, having previously fallen to Germany in 2014.
Taking to social media after the match, Messi wrote a heartfelt message reflecting on both the disappointment and the journey that led Argentina back to the final.
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” Messi wrote.
“The matches we turned around by giving it our all, moments that will remain in our memories forever, and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.”
He added that the scale of Argentina’s achievement had not yet sunk in.
“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”
Messi also thanked supporters for their messages following the defeat.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.”
He closed his message by congratulating Spain on their success.
“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”
At 39, Messi is widely expected to have played his last World Cup match for Argentina, though he has not yet confirmed his international future.
Messi contributed eight goals and four assists during the tournament as Argentina reached the World Cup final for the third time in four editions. He played a central role in Argentina’s knockout-stage comebacks against Egypt and England, helping steer the team through tight, high-pressure matches.
Spain, however, proved too disciplined for Argentina in the final. Ferran Torres came off the bench and scored the only goal of the match in extra time, sealing a side that had conceded just one goal across the entire tournament, a record for a World Cup-winning team.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in second-half injury time following a late challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, reducing Argentina to ten men.
Writing on social media after the match, Fernandez said he and his teammates had given everything for the shirt.
“For years, this group has represented us in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.”
He added that the squad had carried themselves with dignity throughout the tournament.
“Defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment.”
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into clashes between players from both sides that broke out at the final whistle.
Spain’s win marks their second World Cup title, following their first triumph in 2010, and caps a tournament in which their defense was widely regarded as the best in the competition.
