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

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20 July 2026

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

win, sending the trophy to

for the first time since 2010.

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.

–

Monday, 20 July 2026

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

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

on winning the championship.”

Read –

The best World Cup records broken in the 2026 knockout stage

See Also –

Five weird and wonderful World Cup final stories

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