Messi speaks after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain: 'The pain is immense'

The final

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday at New York/New Jersey Stadium to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a goalless 90 minutes of regulation. Argentina were reduced to ten men in the 93rd minute when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí. The South Americans failed to produce a single shot on target over the entire 120 minutes, while Spain forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a string of saves.

Spain's control

La Roja dominated the match from the start. Lamine Yamal had an early chance saved in the 5th minute, and Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella also threatened before halftime. After the break, Spain's pressure intensified: Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Nico Williams all drew saves from Martinez. In stoppage time, Nico Williams saw a header saved and later had a goal disallowed. Spain registered 11 shots on target to Argentina's zero, a statistic that reflected the one-sided nature of the contest.

Messi's message

Nearly 24 hours after the final whistle, Lionel Messi broke his silence on social media. "The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal," the 39-year-old wrote. He added that he chooses to focus on the positive memories: "the matches we turned around by giving everything, the moments that will remain forever engraved in our memory." Messi, who was seen in tears on the podium after receiving his runner-up medal, thanked Argentine fans and congratulated Spain. Argentine media reported that he flew directly from New York to Miami rather than returning to Buenos Aires.

The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal.

I also choose to hold onto all the good things, the matches we turned around by giving everything, the moments that will remain forever engraved in our memory.

A third final for the captain

The defeat marked Messi's third World Cup final, after the 2014 loss to Germany and the 2022 victory over France. Argentina became the first team since Brazil in 1998 and 2002 to reach back-to-back finals. Messi acknowledged the achievement: "Today it is hard to appreciate what we have done, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals." He also reflected on national unity: "Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stay together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine."

Today it is hard to appreciate what we have done, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stay together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.

Spain's second star

Spain's victory comes 16 years after their first World Cup title, won in South Africa in 2010 with an extra-time goal by Andres Iniesta against the Netherlands. The 2026 triumph confirms a golden generation for Spanish football, with young talents like Yamal and Pedri complementing experienced players. For Argentina, the loss ends a campaign that saw them reach a second straight final but fall short against a Spain side that controlled the match.