Lionel Messi opens up on ‘immense pain’ of World Cup final defeat

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The Football Faithful

·20 Juli 2026

Lionel Messi opens up on ‘immense pain’ of World Cup final defeat

Lionel Messi has admitted that it will “take time” to get over the “immense pain” of losing Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final to Spain with Argentina.

Ferran Torres netted the only goal of a low quality game in extra-time to deny the South American nation a second consecutive World Cup win, sending the trophy to Spain for the first time since 2010.

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Argentina struggled to get a foothold in the game as La Roja’s stubborn defence and midfield dominated proceedings. Messi was largely ineffectual throughout, only taking his and the team’s first shot in the 117th minute.

0 - Yesterday's final was the first time 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi started a FIFA World Cup match without creating a single chance for one of his teammates. Restricted.
– Senin, 20 Juli 2026

Lionel Messi opens up on ‘immense pain’ of World Cup final defeat

Messi took to Instagram on Monday to describe the agony of losing the final for a second time in his career, but said he is proud of Argentina’s effort throughout the campaign.

“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” the 39-year-old posted.

“But I also hold on to all the good… The matches we turned around, giving our all, which will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world. Today it’s hard to fully appreciate what we accomplished, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

Read – The best World Cup records broken in the 2026 knockout stage