Messi shares pain after World Cup final loss, highlights team's journey

Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, shared his profound disappointment following the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. In an emotional Instagram post the day after the match, Messi admitted the pain of the loss is immense and will take time to heal. "The pain is very great and it will be difficult for this wound to close. But I also take away all the good things," he wrote.

“

The pain is very great and it will be difficult for this wound to close. But I also take away all the good things.

Despite the sting of defeat, Messi emphasized the positive aspects of their journey, including the support from the entire nation. "With the support of an entire country that, along with the work and effort of this group, led us to be among the best in the world once again," he stated. He also reflected on the team's accomplishment of reaching the decisive match of a World Cup for the second consecutive time. "Today it is difficult to value what we did, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals," he noted.

“

With the support of an entire country that, along with the work and effort of this group, led us to be among the best in the world once again.

The star forward also expressed gratitude for the messages of support received after the loss. He highlighted the collective effort and the backing of the Argentine people as key factors in their success. Messi's reflections underscore the emotional toll of the final but also a sense of pride in the team's sustained performance on the world stage.

“

Today it is difficult to value what we did, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.