Messi calls World Cup final loss 'extremely painful' in first statement

Lionel Messi has broken his silence following Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the pain as "extreme" and a wound that will be difficult to heal. In a candid Instagram post, the 39-year-old superstar shared his profound disappointment after the 1-0 defeat in extra time.

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The pain is extreme, and it is difficult for this wound to heal. But I also keep all the positive aspects.

Despite the immense sorrow, Messi also sought to find positives, reflecting on the team's remarkable journey. "It is difficult today to truly appreciate what we have achieved, but this team reached two World Cup finals consecutively," he wrote, acknowledging the team's consistent presence at the pinnacle of international football.

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It is difficult today to truly appreciate what we have achieved, but this team reached two World Cup finals consecutively.

He extended congratulations to Spain for their victory and fondly remembered Argentina's "exciting" wins against England and Egypt, moments that he stated "will remain etched in our memory forever." Messi emphasized the unifying power of their performance, noting how the team and "an entire nation" came together, sharing "immense pride in being Argentinian."

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The exciting victories against England and Egypt will remain etched in our memory forever.

The star forward, who scored eight goals in the tournament, was unable to make a decisive impact in the final, mirroring his team's struggle against a well-organized Spanish side. This loss marks Messi's second World Cup final defeat, having also lost in 2014, though he achieved his lifelong dream of winning the trophy in 2022.

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Once again, we succeeded in uniting as one nation, and in being all together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian.