'Messi, Messi!': Argentina fans honour their captain as Spain lift FIFA World Cup trophy
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final, marking a disappointing end to Lionel Messi's tournament run. Despite the loss, Argentine fans continued to celebrate their captain's legacy.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global cultural event, and this match marks a significant moment in the career of one of football's most iconic players.
Lionel Messi's glittering World Cup journey ended in heartbreak, but the love from Argentina's supporters never faded.Moments after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, emotional scenes unfolded as Messi struggled to hold back tears while thousands of Argentine fans rose to honour the man who had carried their hopes for two decades.Even in defeat, chants of "Messi! Messi!" echoed around the stadium as the Argentine faithful continued to sing for their captain. With a look of anguish on his face, the 39-year-old stood alongside his teammates and acknowledged the applause from supporters while Spain celebrated lifting the trophy in the middle of the pitch.The defeat ended Argentina's hopes of becoming the first nation in more than 50 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.
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