Lionel Messi says Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain has left him with “immense” pain but praised his team for an outstanding tournament.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the FIFA World Cup came to an end after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to deny the defending champions a second consecutive world title.
Victory for Spain also ended Argentina’s attempt to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Messi took to social media after the match to express his disappointment while also reflecting on the team’s achievements.
“The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi said.
“But I’ll also hold on to all the good memories, the support of an entire country which, together with the hard work and effort of this squad, led us to be, once again, amongst the best in the world.”
The 39-year-old also congratulated Spain on their triumph and said Argentina could be proud of reaching a second successive World Cup final.
Messi made history by becoming only the second player, after Brazil great Cafu, to appear in three men’s World Cup finals, having previously featured in the 2014 and 2022 showpieces.
Despite the heartbreak, the Inter Miami captain remains Argentina’s most successful player. During his international career he guided his country to the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima. He has also won the Ballon d’Or eight times.
Messi ended his message by thanking Argentina’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
“Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine,” he said.
