Lionel Messi speaks out after World Cup final loss: 'The pain is immense, this wound will take time to heal'

The first words

Lionel Messi broke his silence on Monday, a day after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. In an Instagram post, the 39-year-old captain described the loss as a wound that will take time to heal. He had left the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, without speaking to media on Sunday night, tears visible after the final whistle.

The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also keep all the positives.

The final in East Rutherford

Spain secured their second World Cup title with a goal in extra time, denying Argentina a second consecutive triumph after their 2022 victory. Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament, was unable to influence a match dominated by a well-organised Spanish side. The defeat ended Argentina's bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy. Messi, appearing in his sixth World Cup, left the pitch in tears in front of Argentine supporters.

A tournament of resilience

Messi's message highlighted the team's resilience throughout the tournament, including comeback wins against England and Egypt. He stressed the achievement of reaching back-to-back World Cup finals, a feat he said was hard to appreciate in the immediate aftermath.

Today it is difficult to fully appreciate what we have accomplished, but this team has reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

He also thanked fans for their support and spoke of the unity the national team brought to Argentina.

Once again, we managed to come together as a nation and share the immense pride of being Argentines.

The victories against England and Egypt, he wrote, "will remain forever engraved in our memories."

An uncertain international future

The post did not address whether Messi will continue playing for Argentina. At 39, he would be approaching his 43rd birthday by the start of the next World Cup in 2030, which is set to feature a match in Buenos Aires. Messi has earned 207 caps since his debut in 2005, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists. He holds an eight-time Ballon d'Or record and currently plays for Inter Miami. Argentine media reported that he did not travel back to Buenos Aires with the squad on Monday.

A nod to Spain

Messi, who also holds Spanish citizenship from his years at Barcelona, congratulated Spain on their title.

I also want to congratulate Spain for their championship.

The message was accompanied by a photo of Messi looking pensive, his runners-up medal around his neck.