Lionel Messi has broken his silence following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, admitting that the disappointment has left a wound that will take time to heal.

Spain secured their second World Cup title at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, when Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

Messi addressed the defeat the following day in an emotional social media message, combining his disappointment with gratitude towards his teammates and Argentina’s supporters.

Spain’s control leaves Argentina without an answer

The final was shaped by Spain’s control of possession and Argentina’s deep defensive approach.

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Lionel Scaloni’s side spent long periods attempting to contain Spain rather than committing players forward. Messi was consequently isolated and struggled to influence the game in attacking areas.

As described by David Hytner in The Guardian, Argentina did not register their first attempt of the match until the 115th minute. Spain, meanwhile, continued to apply pressure and forced Emiliano Martínez into 11 saves.

Argentina’s task became even harder shortly before extra time when Enzo Fernández was sent off. The midfielder received his first yellow card for dissent in the 83rd minute before being shown a second for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Spain eventually found the breakthrough when Pedro Porro’s deep cross was headed back across goal by Nico Williams. Torres met the ball inside the area and fired it beyond Martínez.

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Messi admits the defeat will take time to accept

Messi had not spoken publicly in the immediate aftermath of the final, but he shared his emotions in a statement on Monday.

“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote, according to Víctor Martín J. of AS.

The Argentina captain nevertheless chose to focus on the wider significance of the team’s run. He highlighted the difficult matches Argentina had managed to turn around and the support they received throughout the tournament.

“Today it is hard to appreciate what we achieved, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals,” he added.

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Argentina entered the tournament as defending champions after beating France in the 2022 final. Although they were unable to retain the trophy, Messi emphasised that reaching another final should still be viewed as a major achievement.

He also thanked supporters for their messages and said the team had once again managed to unite the country.

Messi ended his statement by acknowledging Argentina’s opponents.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the title,” he wrote.

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Retirement question remains unanswered

The defeat has renewed speculation about whether Messi has played his final World Cup match.

The 39-year-old wore adidas boots carrying the words “El Último Tango”, translated as “The Last Tango”, during the final. The detail was widely interpreted as a possible farewell message, although Messi has not announced his retirement from international football.

According to talkSPORT’s report on the specially designed boots, adidas had already presented the design as a tribute to what was expected to be his final World Cup.

Messi’s statement offered no confirmation about his plans. For now, his future with Argentina remains unresolved, leaving supporters to wonder whether the final in New Jersey was the closing chapter of his extraordinary World Cup career.

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