Lionel Messi has thanked Argentina’s fans for their unwavering support following the team’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He said the pain of losing the title “will take time” to overcome.
The defending champions fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, ending Argentina’s bid to successfully defend the trophy it won in Qatar four years ago. An emotional Messi was seen in tears after the final whistle, with questions continuing to surround whether the 39-year-old has played his final World Cup match.
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In a message posted on Instagram on Monday, the Argentina captain reflected on the tournament and expressed his gratitude to supporters.
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“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote in Spanish. “But I also cherish 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.”
“Thank you so much 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 Argentine.”
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Messi also congratulated Spain on winning the World Cup, writing, “I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship.”
The Inter Miami forward enjoyed another memorable tournament despite the final defeat, finishing with eight goals and four assists as Argentina reached its second consecutive World Cup final. He also became the first player to start three World Cup finals and increased his international tally to 125 goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146.
Following the match, Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia paid tribute to Messi’s extraordinary contribution to the national team, capping a career that includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024.