Football icon Lionel Messi says Argentina’s loss to Spain will leave a lasting scar as he reflects on another painful World Cup final heartbreak.
Lionel Messi has broken his silence following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, admitting that the pain of losing will take a long time to overcome.
The 39-year-old football legend shared an emotional message on Instagram on Monday after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, describing the defeat as a wound that may never fully heal.
“The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote alongside a photograph of himself wearing his runners-up medal.
Despite the disappointment, the Inter Miami star said he remains proud of Argentina’s achievements, having reached back-to-back World Cup finals.
“Today it’s hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this squad reached two consecutive World Cup finals. I’ll also hold on to all the good memories,” he added.
Messi also congratulated Spain on winning the tournament after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title.
The Argentine captain, who scored eight goals during the competition, struggled to influence the final as Spain dominated proceedings. The defeat marks Messi’s second loss in a World Cup final, having previously suffered heartbreak against Germany in 2014 before finally lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina’s journey to the final included dramatic victories over Egypt, England, Cape Verde and Switzerland, with several matches requiring extra time.
“With the support of an entire country and the hard work of this squad, we once again proved we are among the best teams in the world,” Messi wrote.
Argentine media reports suggest the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is not expected to return to Buenos Aires with the rest of the squad, as the nation prepares for a subdued homecoming following the crushing defeat.
For millions of football fans around the world, Messi’s emotional farewell message has sparked speculation that Sunday’s final may have been his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.