Argentinian soccer captain Lionel Messi has expressed profound sadness following his team's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, acknowledging the bitterness of the defeat while also taking pride in the team's accomplishments during the tournament.
In his first statement on Instagram, Messi stated: "The pain is extremely intense, and it's hard for this wound to heal, but I also hold on to all the positives."
The 39-year-old Argentinian star added that now may not be the time to fully appreciate the magnitude of their achievement, noting that reaching the World Cup final for the second consecutive time is a significant accomplishment that deserves pride.
Furthermore, Messi took the opportunity to congratulate the Spanish team on their World Cup victory, wishing them well in a display of sportsmanship following the final match.
Argentina's national team lost the final to Spain 1-0 after extra time, ending the "Albiceleste's" tournament journey with a second-place finish. Messi fell short of adding another global title to his illustrious career.