Argentina's Messi comments on World Cup final loss: 'They were better'

Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain and an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, openly shared his disappointment following his team's World Cup final defeat to Spain. He admitted that the Spanish team played better during the match, a sentiment he conveyed with visible emotion.

"I am sad, but I understand that we gave our all," Messi stated, as reported by ESPN. "Honestly, they were better. We lost, and we accept it. This does not mean we will forget everything we have done so far, so I would like to thank the whole team, the players, and the country."

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I am sad, but I understand that we gave our all. Honestly, they were better. We lost, and we accept it. This does not mean we will forget everything we have done so far, so I would like to thank the whole team, the players, and the country.

The loss was particularly poignant for Messi, as it prevented Argentina from defending the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022. The final score was 0-1 in overtime, a result that left the captain in tears. Following the match, an official message from the Argentine national team's social media account offered solidarity: "Your tears are our tears, captain. We will always love you, Leo!"

This tournament was likely Messi's last World Cup appearance. Having debuted in 2006, the 39-year-old forward has participated in six World Cups, accumulating 34 matches, 21 goals, and 12 assists. The next World Cup is scheduled for 2030, by which time Messi would be 43 years old.

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Your tears are our tears, captain. We will always love you, Leo!