FIFA World Cup 2026 | Messi leaves the World Cup as its most enduring presence
Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance ended in defeat as Spain successfully neutralized his playmaking abilities. The match marked a somber conclusion to Messi's international career, leaving fans and the player emotional.
Why it matters
This marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in global sports history.
For 120 minutes, Spain did what no other team at this World Cup had managed.
It found a way to keep Lionel Messi quiet.
The plan was simple in theory but brutally difficult in practice. Every time the 39-year-old drifted towards the right flank, another red shirt arrived. His every passing lane closed and every familiar slalom towards his left foot was met by bodies rather than space.
“The first idea was to keep Messi at bay,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted afterwards. He had learned his lesson when a 16-year-old Messi had terrorised his Sevilla team in an under-19 match in 2004.
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