Messi says 'pain is immense' after losing World Cup final

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Lionel Messi has described Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final as an “immense” hurt, saying in a social media post that recovery from the loss would take time. The final, published by BBC Sport on 20 July 2026, was decided by Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal, giving Spain their second world title and ending Argentina’s reign as champions after their 2022 triumph.

The BBC said Messi, now 39, has played in three World Cup finals, winning one and losing two, including Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in 2014. He has not yet announced whether he will continue with the national team, but the report notes he is not expected to play in the 2030 tournament. Messi also emphasized Argentina’s run to a second straight final, thanked supporters, and congratulated Spain.

According to the report, Messi had eight goals and four assists during Argentina’s campaign and was influential in comeback wins over Egypt and England in the knockout rounds. Argentina were unable to break through against a Spain team that conceded only once in the tournament.

BBC Sport also reported that Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, sent off after a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi, posted that the squad had represented the country with pride and commitment. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has assigned a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine altercations between players after the final whistle.