Messi admits final pain will 'take time to heal' after Argentina lose to Spain

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in East Rutherford on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the goal that denied La Albiceleste a successful defence of the title they won in 2022.

It was a brutal ending for Messi and Argentina, who were trying to become the first men's team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Speaking on social media after the game, Messi did not hide how much the result hurt.

"The pain is enormous and this wound will take a long time to heal," he wrote.

At the same time, the 39-year-old made clear that the tournament should not only be remembered for the final defeat.

"But I will also keep all the beautiful memories... the support of an entire country, together with the effort and commitment of the whole squad, helped us once again stand among the best teams in the world."

Messi also congratulated Spain and said Argentina still had every reason to hold their heads high after reaching a 2nd straight World Cup final.

That message mattered. This was likely Messi's last World Cup, and it saw him reach another major landmark. He became only the 2nd man after Cafu to play in 3 men's World Cup finals, having also featured in the 2014 and 2022 showpieces.

His legacy, of course, was already secure. Messi remains Argentina's most decorated player, having led the national team to World Cup glory in 2022, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. Add 8 Ballon d'Or awards to that list and there is little left to say about his place in the game.

He ended his message by turning back to the supporters.

"Once again, we came together as a nation and stood side by side," Messi added, "sharing the enormous pride of being Argentine."

Argentina lost the trophy. Messi, though, made sure the last word was not just pain. It was pride.