Messi breaks silence after World Cup final loss: 'The pain is huge, this wound needs time to heal'
The 39-year-old Argentina captain posted an emotional Instagram message nearly 24 hours after the 1-0 extra-time loss at East Rutherford, thanking fans and congratulating Spain.
The final whistle
Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing Spain's second world title after their 2010 victory. For Argentina, the loss ended a campaign that had seen them reach back-to-back World Cup finals, a run captain Lionel Messi called an achievement difficult to appreciate in the moment.
Tears on the pitch
Cameras captured the 39-year-old sitting alone on the turf after the final whistle, his face buried in his hands as thousands of fans looked on. He left the stadium without speaking to media. The image of the defeated captain weeping in front of supporters was widely seen as a symbolic farewell to the tournament, though Messi himself made no direct statement about his future.
The Instagram post
Nearly 24 hours after the match, Messi published his first official comment on his Instagram profile. The post included a photo showing him in a reflective pose with the silver medal around his neck.
The pain is huge, and this wound needs time to heal. But I also keep everything that was good. The matches where we turned things around, giving everything, and which will remain in our memory forever. I also keep the support of the whole country, because thanks to the work and effort of this group we once again found ourselves among the best teams in the world. Today it is hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this team played in two consecutive World Cup finals.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for every message and word of support. Once again we managed to unite as a nation and share the immense pride of being Argentines.
Congratulations and uncertainty
Messi congratulated Spain, which he described as his second home, on winning the championship. He did not address his future in the post. The next World Cup is four years away, with the opening match scheduled for 2030 in Buenos Aires. By then Messi would be approaching his 43rd birthday.
Departure from the squad
According to the Argentine federation, Messi did not return to Argentina with the rest of the national team. Several players travelled directly to their clubs or began holidays after the tournament concluded.
