Lionel Messi thanks Argentina fans: ‘Wound will take time to heal’
Lionel Messi expressed his heartbreak following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. He reflected on his career and the team's effort while congratulating the victors.
Why it matters
As one of the world's most prominent athletes, Messi's reflections on his career and international competition carry significant cultural weight in global sports.
After what may have been his final World Cup match , Lionel Messi was in tears on the field Sunday (July 19, 2026) in East Rutherford, N.J., ruing a missed chance to win a second consecutive title for Argentina.
Messi, without hinting whether his World Cup career was officially through, congratulated Spain and said the memories will last in an Instagram post on Monday (July 20, 2026).
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