Lionel Messi said Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final caused immense pain, while expressing pride in the defending champions’ run to a second consecutive final.

Spain won the championship at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

Messi Praises Argentina’s World Cup Run

In a social media message posted on Monday, July 20, 2026, Messi said, “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal.”

The Argentina captain reflected on the team’s comeback victories, thanked supporters for their messages and said the squad had once again united the country. He also congratulated Spain and emphasized that Argentina had reached back-to-back World Cup finals following its title-winning campaign in 2022.

Spain Limits Messi and Argentina’s Attack

Spain controlled the final and prevented Argentina from creating meaningful chances. Argentina became the first team to complete the opening 90 minutes of a World Cup final without recording a shot.

The defending champions’ first attempt came in the 116th minute, after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off during second-half stoppage time. Spain finished with 20 attempts compared with Argentina’s two, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez repeatedly kept the match scoreless before Torres’ breakthrough.

Messi Finishes Tournament With Eight Goals

Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, but Spain’s organized defense kept him away from dangerous positions in the final. Torres and fellow substitute Nico Williams added speed and attacking pressure after entering from the bench.

The victory gave Spain its second men’s World Cup title and ended Argentina’s attempt to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive championships. Messi, 39, has not announced whether he will continue playing for Argentina, leaving his international future as the main question following the defeat.