Lionel Messi expressed his immense sadness after Argentina's national team lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, saying that only time could help his team recover from the defeat.
Ferran Torres' extra-time goal in New Jersey ended Argentina's hopes of back-to-back titles, while denying Messi the chance to cap off his illustrious career with a second World Cup trophy.
The 39-year-old is expected to miss the next World Cup in 2030, although he has not yet announced his retirement plans.
"It hurts incredibly, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also remember all the good things that have happened," Messi wrote on social media.
"The games we overcame by giving everything on the pitch, the moments that will live forever in our memories, and the support of the entire country, combined with the hard work and determination of this team, have brought us back to the world elite," Messi wrote.
Argentina cruised through the group stage before relying on late goals in their next four knockout matches to reach the final.
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, and was considered by some to be unlucky not to win the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star praised his teammates and expressed his pride in Argentina's performance throughout the tournament.
"It's difficult to fully appreciate our achievements, but this team has reached two consecutive World Cup finals," he said.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every kind word and message. Once again, we have united as a nation and stood together, sharing immense pride as Argentines. I also want to congratulate Spain on their title triumph," he said.
