In Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Spain triumphed over Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres netting the pivotal goal, thus thwarting Argentina’s attempt to defend the title they had claimed in Qatar four years prior.
This defeat also marked the end of Argentina’s aspiration to become the first men’s team to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Following the match, Messi took to social media to share his feelings about the disappointment of falling just short, while also voicing pride in his teammates and the solidarity displayed by the Argentine populace.
“The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal. 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,” Messi wrote.
The 39-year-old also extended his congratulations to Spain on their victory and highlighted that Argentina could take pride in making it to consecutive World Cup finals, having claimed the trophy in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2026.
Messi further cemented his legacy in football history by becoming only the second men’s player, after Brazil’s Cafu, to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals, having played in the championship matches of 2014, 2022, and 2026.
Despite the crushing defeat, the Inter Miami forward remains Argentina’s most decorated footballer. Throughout his international career, he has led La Albiceleste to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima, while amassing a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi concluded his message by once again expressing gratitude to the Argentine 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.”
