Lionel Messi Thanks Argentina Despite Difficulty in Healing the 2026 World Cup Final Defeat

Lionel Messi admits it's difficult to heal the defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final (Instagram/@afaseleccion).

JAKARTA - Argentine star Lionel Messi sent his fans a heartfelt thank you on Monday, July 20, 2026, local time, a day after the defending champions lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey.

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Messi cried and his future in the Argentina National Team (Timnas) was uncertain after he was unable to create another miracle to save his team.

"The pain is very big and it takes time to heal this wound. However, I also appreciate all the good things."

"The match we won, giving our best, which will always remain in our memory, the support from all the countries that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, brought us to, once again, be the best in the world."

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for every word and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and together, share the incredible pride of being Argentines."

"I also want to congratulate Spain on its title." he wrote on Instagram.

The Inter Miami striker has led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 by beating France in the final, flanked by two consecutive Copa America titles (2021 and 2024).

At the 2026 World Cup, Messi increased his international goals to 125, only losing out to Cristiano Ronaldo who scored 146 goals.

Meanwhile, the President of the Argentine Football Federation (AFA), Claudio Tapia, paid high tribute to Messi for his extraordinary contribution to the Argentine national team.

Messi became the first player to start in three World Cup finals, but he failed to deliver a satisfying result against Spain, after shining with eight goals and four assists in this year's edition.