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Lionel Messi has broken his silence after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, sharing an emotional message with fans following the loss.

Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory after extra time on Sunday, denying Argentina the chance to defend its World Cup title. Following the final whistle, the Argentine squad left the stadium without speaking to the media, with players heading directly to the team bus.

A day later, Messi addressed supporters in a heartfelt Instagram post, admitting the defeat would take time to overcome. "The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote.

The Argentine captain also reflected on his team's remarkable tournament run, highlighting the resilience they showed throughout the competition and expressing pride in reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.

Messi thanked supporters for standing behind the team, saying the tournament once again united the nation and filled Argentinians with pride. He also congratulated Spain on winning the championship.

Following the final, the 39-year-old was visibly emotional on the pitch. He spent several moments sitting alone before getting back to his feet and warmly congratulating Spain star Lamine Yamal with a handshake and embrace.

Although Argentina did not fulfill its usual post-match media duties, only a limited number of players are typically required to speak after World Cup matches. The decision drew criticism from some commentators, including former U.S. international Alexi Lalas.

Despite the disappointing ending, Messi enjoyed another outstanding tournament. He scored eight goals during the World Cup, finishing among the competition's top scorers. However, France's Kylian Mbappé ultimately claimed the Golden Boot after scoring twice in the third-place playoff to finish with 10 goals.

While Argentina fell short of back-to-back world titles, Messi's performances throughout the tournament once again showcased his influence on football's biggest stage.