‘I’LL HOLD ON TO ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES’ — MESSI REACTS TO WORLD CUP FINAL LOSS, CONGRATULATES SPAIN
Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Lionel Messi has admitted that Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final left him heartbroken, saying, “The pain is immense, and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal.”
The 39-year-old captain made the emotional remarks on Monday in an Instagram post following Argentina’s extra-time defeat to Spain, which ended their hopes of retaining the World Cup title.
“I’ll also hold on to all the good memories,” Messi wrote in Spanish on Instagram alongside a photograph of himself wearing his runners-up medal. “Today it’s hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this squad reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”
“I’d also like to congratulate Spain on winning the tournament,” added Messi, who broke down in tears after the final whistle.
Argentina had produced a series of dramatic comebacks on their way to the final, recovering from deficits to defeat Egypt and England while also needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland in the knockout rounds.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, the Inter Miami forward wrote: “With the matches we turned around by giving our all—matches that will remain in our memories forever—and with the support of an entire country, which, together with the hard work and effort of this squad, led us to once again be among the best in the world.”
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals but was unable to inspire Argentina in the final as the defending champions struggled to trouble a well-organised Spanish side.
The defeat marked Messi’s second World Cup final loss, having also finished runner-up in 2014. He won the trophy in 2022 after leading Argentina to victory over France.
Argentine media reported on Monday that Messi was not expected to return to Buenos Aires with the rest of the squad for what is expected to be a subdued homecoming.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0