- July 21, 2026
‘This Wound Will Take Time To Heal’: Messi Breaks Silence After Argentina’s World Cup Defeat
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The Argentina captain also thanked supporters for their messages and the backing they gave the team throughout the tournament.
Lionel Messi looks at his second place medal after losing the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match. (AFP photo)
Lionel Messi on Monday said the pain from Argentina’s World Cup final defeat was “immense” and that it would take a long time for the disappointment to heal.
“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram in his first reaction after Argentina lost the final to Spain. He shared the message alongside a picture of himself wearing his runners-up medal after the defeat.
Messi said he would continue to remember the positive moments from Argentina’s campaign and praised the team’s journey to another World Cup final.
“I’ll also hold on to all the good things,” Messi wrote. “Today it is difficult to appreciate what we achieved, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”
The Argentina captain also thanked supporters for their messages and the backing they gave the team throughout the tournament.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message,” Messi said. “Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.”
He also congratulated Spain on their victory, adding, “I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”
Spain Edge Argentina To Lift World Cup Trophy
Spain won their second World Cup title on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner to defeat Messi’s Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
More than 80,000 fans watched a tense final in which Spain controlled much of the match, while Argentina struggled to create chances. The defending champions were reduced to 10 players in extra time after Enzo Fernandez was sent off following a second yellow card.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept his side in the contest with several saves, but Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute. Nico Williams set up substitute Torres, who fired the ball into the net to seal the victory.
At the final whistle, Spain celebrated their triumph while Messi was seen in tears as he collected his runners-up medal.
The defeat may have marked Messi’s final World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old had played a key role in guiding Argentina to the final, but Spain’s pace, passing and youthful squad proved too strong on the night.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain deserved the win, saying they were the better side.
(With inputs from agencies)
Spain’s football team is strong due to their consistent performance, including a 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-finals. Thierry Henry described Spain as having given France a “footballing lesson”.
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