In pictures: Lionel Messi in tears after Argentina beaten by Spain in World Cup final | OneFootball

Greatest of all time could not hide his emotions in defeat

Lionel Messi was pictured in tears after Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final.

The 39-year-old was hoping to help his country defend their world title that they had won in Qatar four years previously, but they were defeated in extra time as super-sub Ferran Torres stepped off the bench to fire home the decisive goal at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Luis de la Fuente’s European champions added a second World Cup to their collection following their 2010 crown, and Rodri lifted the trophy aloft, but not before ugly scenes broke out at the full-time whistle.

Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were at the fore, letting their anger get the better of them as they confronted the jubilant Spanish players, eager to stir up a fight.

Not this time; Lionel Messi

AFP/Getty

In tears: Lionel Messi

AFP/Getty

Paredes was shown a red card after the whistle as he lashed out at Eric Garcia before hauling Gavi to the floor, while Molina squared up to Spain captain Rodri.

While all that occurred, Messi, perhaps making his last ever performance at the World Cup, was pictured in tears as he processed his side’s defeat.

Lionel Scaloni’s men, the defending champions, were reduced to ten men just before extra time as Enzo Fernandez, the Chelsea midfielder, was sent off for a late lunge on Pau Cubarsi, having already been booked for dissent a few moments earlier.

Messi, meanwhile, was unable to weave his magic in a cagey affair, as he was well-marshalled throughout by a Spanish defence that conceded just one goal en route to their second global triumph.