ARGENTINA captain Lionel Messi has described his country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as a painful experience, admitting that “the pain is immense” and that the wounds of the loss “will take time to heal.”
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to hand Spain their second World Cup title and bring Argentina’s quest to successfully defend the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022 to an end.
The defeat marked Messi’s second loss in a World Cup final after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil.
At 39 years old, the Argentine superstar is considered unlikely to feature at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, although he has yet to officially clarify his future with the national team.
Reacting to the heartbreaking defeat in a message posted on social media, Messi acknowledged the disappointment while also reflecting on the achievements of the team during the tournament.
“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.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that it was difficult to appreciate the team’s accomplishments immediately after the defeat but stressed that reaching two consecutive World Cup finals remained a remarkable feat.
“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals,” he added.
Messi also expressed gratitude to Argentines for their support throughout the competition, saying the team had once again succeeded in bringing the country together.
“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.”
The Inter Miami forward also congratulated Spain on their triumph, saying: “I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”
Messi played a central role in Argentina’s journey to the final, contributing eight goals and four assists as the South Americans reached the final for the third time in the last four editions of the World Cup.
He was instrumental in Argentina’s comeback victories over Egypt and England in the knockout stages but was unable to inspire another turnaround against a disciplined Spanish side that conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off in stoppage time of the second half after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi, also paid tribute to the team and supporters.
In a post on social media, Fernandez said he and his teammates had represented Argentina with dedication and commitment.
“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,” Fernandez wrote.
He added that the players had “defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment.”
Meanwhile, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate altercations involving players from both teams at the final whistle following the heated conclusion of the match.