Argentina's defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final left one of the most emotional images of the tournament with Lionel Messi crying on the MetLife Stadium field. One day after the match, the Argentine captain published a message on social networks in which he expressed his sadness at the result, congratulated the new world champion and asked to appreciate the path taken by his team.

The Spanish team won 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres, while the Albiceleste was on the verge of defending the title won in Qatar 2022.

Lionel Messi's message after losing the 2026 World Cup final

Through his Instagram account, Lionel Messi shared a message addressed to the Argentine fans, after the defeat suffered in the 2026 World Cup final. “The pain is very great and it will be difficult for this wound to close,” he wrote.

The forward acknowledged the difficult moment the team is going through, although he also asked to remember the effort made throughout the competition.

"With all the good things. With the games that we turned around, leaving everything behind and that will remain forever in our memory, with the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world," he continued.

Messi highlights Argentina's path in the last World Cups

The Argentine captain also highlighted the consistency that the Albiceleste has shown in recent years by playing in two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Today it is difficult to value what we did, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals,” he highlighted.

Argentina won the title in Qatar 2022 and returned to the final four years later, although on this occasion they lost to the Spanish team.

Messi's gratitude and congratulations to Spain

In his publication, Lionel Messi thanked the support received from Argentine fans throughout the competition and highlighted the impact that the team had in the country.

"For every greeting and for every message. Once again we managed to unite as a country and be all together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine," he celebrated.

Finally, the historic striker also congratulated the new world champion: “I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship,” he concluded.

What's next for Lionel Messi after the 2026 World Cup?

After the final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Lionel Messi did not travel with the rest of the Argentina squad on the flight back to his country.

According to the information available, the forward will remain a few more days in the United States before moving to Rosario, his hometown.

The final of the 2026 World Cup was decided in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match to give Spain its second world championship.