Messi suffers unwanted first in FIFA World Cup final as Spain silence Argentina icon

Lionel Messi endured a rare off day in Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain, with the legendary forward failing to create a single chance for a teammate for the first time in his World Cup career. The statistic underlined Spain's disciplined defensive display as Luis de la Fuente's side neutralised Argentina's biggest attacking threat on their way to a 1-0 extra-time victory at MetLife Stadium. Messi, making his 34th World Cup appearance across six tournaments, had never previously started a FIFA World Cup match without creating at least one chance for a teammate. That remarkable streak came to an end in the final as Spain successfully denied him the space and time that have defined his international career. The 39-year-old was unable to produce the moments of brilliance that had carried Argentina to a second successive World Cup final.