Lionel Messi Speaks Out After Argentina's World Cup Final Loss

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi expressed his gratitude to the people of Argentina a day after his team lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The Inter Miami forward admitted that the defeat left a wound that would take time to heal. "The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote in Spanish on his personal Instagram account on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Despite falling short of defending the world title, Messi chose to reflect on Argentina's journey throughout the tournament. "But I also cherish all the good... The matches we turned around, giving our all, which will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world," he said.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also expressed his appreciation to Albiceleste supporters. "Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine."

Messi concluded his message by congratulating Spain. "I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship."

The defeat in the 2026 World Cup final once again brought attention to Messi's future with the national team. The 39-year-old player left the field in tears after failing to lead Argentina to defend the trophy they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Throughout the tournament, Messi impressed by scoring eight goals and providing four assists. He also became the first player to start in three World Cup finals. Overall, his international goal tally has now reached 125, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has collected 146 goals.

National Holiday Announced for Returning Squad

Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia also paid tribute to Messi for his contributions to the national team. Amid the disappointment of failing to become the first country to defend a World Cup title since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, Argentine President Javier Milei assured that the players will still be honored upon their return home.

Milei announced that the government would designate a national holiday to celebrate Argentina's journey in the World Cup. The date will be determined based on the decisions of the players and coaching staff.

"In light of the concerns regarding the celebrations to mark the Argentine national team's achievement, I would like to inform the public that, depending on the decision reached by the players and the coaching staff regarding the date of the celebrations, that day will be declared a national holiday," Milei wrote on his X account, as quoted by ESPN.

Milei, who did not attend the final in New Jersey for superstitious reasons, also expressed his appreciation to the players. "Thank you so much, players...!!! Fighting to the very end. Argentina always held high," he wrote.

The AFA confirmed that part of the delegation would return to Buenos Aires on Monday evening local time. However, several players will travel directly from the United States to their respective clubs or start their vacation.

"Following the final, some of the squad's players will travel directly from the United States to various destinations to rejoin their clubs or begin their break. Meanwhile, part of the delegation -- comprising players, the coaching staff and other staff members -- will return to Argentina tomorrow [Monday], with arrival scheduled for around 5 p.m.," the AFA statement said.

Argentina had to concede Spain's superiority after Ferran Torres' goal in the 106th minute secured a 1-0 victory for La Roja. Argentina had also been playing with 10 men since the 93rd minute after Enzo Fernández received a red card. Under those circumstances, the Albiceleste managed to take their first shot only in the 117th minute through Messi, but his effort was blocked by the Spanish defense.

Read: Lamine Yamal Makes History With World Cup, Euros Double at 19

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