Ten years later: Messi and Argentina's "curse" at MetLife Stadium

Ten years after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss, Argentina once again fell in a major final at MetLife Stadium, this time succumbing 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. This defeat echoes the "curse" that has haunted the Albiceleste at the New Jersey venue.

In 2016, Lionel Messi and his teammates lost the Copa América Centenario final to Chile on penalties at the same stadium. That loss, which included Messi famously missing a crucial spot-kick, was a significant blow. Coincidentally, red, the color associated with bad luck, marked Argentina's downfall again in 2026 as Spain claimed the world title in a similarly agonizing fashion.

The parallels between the two finals are striking. Both matches were tightly contested, with a single goal or penalty shootout deciding the outcome. For Messi, this latest defeat at MetLife Stadium represents another painful chapter in his quest for a major international title, amplifying the sense of déjà vu for Argentinian football fans.