Lionel Messi described the "immense pain" and the lengthy healing process required after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Ferran Torres' extra-time goal secured Spain's second World Cup title and ended Argentina's reign as champions, which began in 2022.
This marks Messi's second World Cup final defeat, having previously lost to Germany in 2014. At 39 years old, his participation in the 2030 tournament appears unlikely, although he has not yet definitively stated his international future.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things," Messi wrote on social media. He acknowledged the "matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again."
Messi highlighted the team's achievement of reaching two consecutive World Cup finals. "It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals," he stated. He also expressed gratitude for the support received: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine."
He concluded by congratulating Spain on their victory. Messi was instrumental in Argentina's run to the final, contributing eight goals and four assists. He played a crucial role in their comeback victories against Egypt and England in the knockout stages, but Argentina could not overcome a Spanish team that conceded only one goal throughout the entire tournament.