Arjun Bijlani on Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat: As a Messi fan, I was heartbroken
ETimes | July 22, 2026 5:39 PM CST
Spain's dramatic extra-time victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Monday left Arjun Bijlani heartbroken, even as celebrations at home were divided. While the actor was rooting for Lionel Messi and Argentina, his 11-year-old son, Ayaan, was firmly behind Spain, turning the title clash into a memorable family affair.
Arjun says, “I’m a huge Messi fan, so I was naturally supporting Argentina. Ayaan, on the other hand, was rooting for Spain. It made the match so much more interesting because we were both cheering for different teams.”
Despite backing Argentina, Arjun had no hesitation in acknowledging that Spain were the better side on the night. He shares, “It was one of those matches where you just couldn’t look away. Neither team really let up, and it stayed intense till the end. That’s what made it such a memorable final. As someone supporting Argentina, I obviously wanted a different result. But you have to appreciate the way Spain played. It was such a close game. Argentina had their moments too, but Spain capitalised on theirs at the right time. They stayed composed in extra time and made the most of their chances. What impressed me most wasn’t any one individual but the way they played as a team. Everyone stayed disciplined and delivered when it mattered the most.”
The defeat, however, was especially difficult for him because of his admiration for Lionel Messi. Arjun says, “I’m not going to lie, as a Messi fan, Argentina’s defeat left me heartbroken. You always want to see your favourite player finish a tournament like this on a high. If this does turn out to be Messi’s last World Cup, it makes the result even more emotional. He’s given so much to football over the years, so a part of me was really hoping he’d have one more fairytale ending. But that’s the beauty, and sometimes the heartbreak, of sport. You don’t always get the ending you wish for.”
The football itself impressed him, but the scenes after the final whistle left him disappointed. He says, “Finals are emotional because everyone has worked so hard to get there. But no matter how high the stakes are, respect and sportsmanship should always come first. That’s what people remember long after the trophy has been lifted.”
Arjun says, “I’m a huge Messi fan, so I was naturally supporting Argentina. Ayaan, on the other hand, was rooting for Spain. It made the match so much more interesting because we were both cheering for different teams.”
Despite backing Argentina, Arjun had no hesitation in acknowledging that Spain were the better side on the night. He shares, “It was one of those matches where you just couldn’t look away. Neither team really let up, and it stayed intense till the end. That’s what made it such a memorable final. As someone supporting Argentina, I obviously wanted a different result. But you have to appreciate the way Spain played. It was such a close game. Argentina had their moments too, but Spain capitalised on theirs at the right time. They stayed composed in extra time and made the most of their chances. What impressed me most wasn’t any one individual but the way they played as a team. Everyone stayed disciplined and delivered when it mattered the most.”
The defeat, however, was especially difficult for him because of his admiration for Lionel Messi. Arjun says, “I’m not going to lie, as a Messi fan, Argentina’s defeat left me heartbroken. You always want to see your favourite player finish a tournament like this on a high. If this does turn out to be Messi’s last World Cup, it makes the result even more emotional. He’s given so much to football over the years, so a part of me was really hoping he’d have one more fairytale ending. But that’s the beauty, and sometimes the heartbreak, of sport. You don’t always get the ending you wish for.”
The football itself impressed him, but the scenes after the final whistle left him disappointed. He says, “Finals are emotional because everyone has worked so hard to get there. But no matter how high the stakes are, respect and sportsmanship should always come first. That’s what people remember long after the trophy has been lifted.”
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