Lionel Messi bids farewell to the World Cup with an emotional message

Following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has broken his silence. In a message posted on his social networks, the Albiceleste captain expressed his deep sadness while paying tribute to his team's journey and the unwavering support of Argentine fans. At 39, he has thus closed the chapter of his World Cup career.

Lionel Messi did not hide his disappointment. He expressed it in a message on social media.

"The pain is very strong and it will take a long time for this wound to heal," he admitted, just hours after the final loss to La Roja.

Proud of Argentina's journey

Despite the bitterness of defeat, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner chose to focus on the path the Albiceleste took throughout the tournament.

He praised the squad's efforts, the matches they turned around with determination, and the unity forged between the team and the entire nation. For Messi, this team once again proved it is among the elite in world football.

Messi also reminded everyone that Argentina had reached two consecutive World Cup finals, following their triumph in Qatar in 2022—an achievement he believes deserves full recognition despite this edition's outcome.

A tribute to the fans and a gesture of sportsmanship

The Argentine captain then thanked the millions of supporters who backed the team throughout the tournament. He emphasized that their support allowed the country to come together and share immense national pride.

Finally, in a true act of sportsmanship, Lionel Messi congratulated Spain on their World Cup triumph, recognizing the merit of the new champions.

"The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to close. But I also hold on to everything that was beautiful… those matches we turned around by giving everything, which will remain forever engraved in our memories, and the support of an entire country that, through the hard work and effort of this group, allowed us to be, once again, among the best nations in the world. Today, it’s hard to measure what we have achieved, but this group has reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for every message of support and every gesture of affection. Once again, we managed to come together as a nation, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinians.

I also want to congratulate Spain on their world championship title."

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.