Messi: 'Pain is immense' after Argentina's World Cup final defeat by Spain
The Argentina captain posted on Instagram a day after the 1-0 extra-time loss at MetLife Stadium, thanking fans and congratulating Spain while leaving his international future open.
The final
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, denying Argentina a second consecutive title. The result ended Argentina's bid to become the first men's team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy. Messi, 39, left the pitch without speaking to media and was seen in tears after receiving his runners-up medal.
Messi's message
A day later, Messi posted a statement on Instagram to his 514 million followers. He wrote that the pain was immense and that it would take a long time for the wound to heal.
The pain is immense and it's going to take a long time for this wound to heal.
He also urged Argentina to focus on the positives, highlighting the team's resilience in reaching a second successive final. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and became only the second player, after Brazil's Cafu, to appear in three men's World Cup finals, having played in the deciders in 2014, 2022 and 2026.
- Lost final to Germany 1-0 after extra time
- Won final against France on penalties (3-3 a.e.t.)
- Lost final to Spain 1-0 after extra time
Pride and gratitude
Messi thanked supporters for uniting behind the national side and said the squad's effort had again placed Argentina among the world's best.
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.
He added that it was difficult to value the achievement immediately after such a defeat, but stressed that the group had reached two consecutive World Cup finals. He also congratulated Spain on the championship.
Future uncertain
Messi did not travel with the Argentina squad when it returned to Buenos Aires on Monday. The Argentine Football Association said some players were rejoining their clubs or beginning a rest period. Local media reported that Messi remained in the United States and was expected to travel to his hometown of Rosario in the coming days.
His international future is unresolved. Messi has hinted that this was his last World Cup appearance, but fans hope he will continue at least through the 2028 Copa América, where Argentina will defend its title. He extended his contract with Inter Miami last October, though the exact duration was not specified in the reports.
