In his first public comments since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final—which has earned so much criticism for the team’s conduct during and after the match, Lionel Messi pointed towards the unforgettable highs his nation had enjoyed in what he still ranked as a mightily successful tournament.
Messi passed through the mixed zone after Sunday’s loss without comment. The Argentine offered few words to anyone, even passively watching on while his teammates sparked a scrap with their Spanish counterparts after the final whistle.
That ugly brawl combined with some gamesmanship across other rounds of the competition made Spain a popular champion for 2026. Former Germany international Toni Kroos, who beat Argentina to win the World Cup in 2014, captured the opinion of many when he posted on social media: “Football won.”
The loss that Argentina suffered was a deep blow for Messi, though. “The pain is immense,” he posted on Instagram less than 24 hours after the final, “and it’s going to take time for this wound to heal. But I’ll also hold on to all the good memories...”
Messi Looks Back on Positives of Argentina’s World Cup Run
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