Sports

“The pain is immense,” says Messi of World Cup defeat

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2026

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi cries during the trophy ceremony at the end of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Lionel Messi said on Monday that after Argentina’s World Cup final loss “the pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal.”

“I’ll also hold on to all the good memories,” Messi wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of himself wearing his loser’s medal following the World champions’ extra-time loss to Spain. “Today it’s hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this squad reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”

“I’d also like to congratulate Spain on winning the tournament,” he added.

AFP