World Cup: Messi thanks Argentina fans but ‘wound will take time to heal’

Lionel Messi expressed grief on social media after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 20, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Writing on Instagram Monday evening, Messi said 'the pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,' while also congratulating Spain and thanking Argentina fans. The defeat denied Argentina a second consecutive World Cup title and may have been Messi's final appearance at the tournament.