Lionel Messi has reacted after Argentina surrendered their FIFA World Cup crown following a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 final played on Sunday, July 19.
Ferran Torres proved to be the match-winner in the 106th minute, finishing from close range after substitute Nico Williams set him up with a knockdown, sealing Spain’s second World Cup triumph.
According to Sky Sports, Williams had earlier seen a goal ruled out after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up. Despite that setback, Spain eventually found the breakthrough their overall display deserved.
Spain controlled much of the contest, finishing with 20 attempts on goal, while Argentina failed to produce a single shot on target over 120 minutes.
The defending champions were dealt another setback late in normal time when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card, forcing Argentina to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina in the match with several crucial saves, but Spain’s pressure eventually paid off.
Argentina’s best opportunity arrived in stoppage time of extra time when Giuliano Simeone fired over the crossbar, missing the chance to send the final to penalties.
Messi endured a quiet evening, recording just 54 touches during the three-hour contest, which included a 27-minute half-time break.
The Argentina captain also missed out on the tournament’s Golden Boot, with France star Kylian Mbappe finishing as the top scorer by two goals.
Speaking after the defeat, Messi admitted Argentina had fallen short despite giving their all.
He said:
“I feel sad, but I am aware that we played our hearts out.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also acknowledged Spain’s superiority on the night.
“They were better, to be honest. We lost the game, and we accept that. That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players and the country.”
The result has intensified speculation over Messi’s international future. Now 39, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player is widely expected to have played his final FIFA World Cup match, with the next tournament set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco in 2030.
