Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez speak out after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain - 'The pain is immense'
Updated 20/07/2026 at 23:58 GMT+1
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Argentina superstar and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since his nation's defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra time to seal the victory and end Argentina’s reign as world champions.
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Messi, who starred in the run to the final, was in tears after receiving his runner’s up medal and said it will take a while to get over the second World Cup final loss of his career.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," the 39-year-old wrote on social media.
"But I also hold onto all the good things... The matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again.
"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message.
"Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship."
Argentina were made to work hard for their spot in the final after easing through the group phase.
They needed extra time to beat Cabo Verde before they pulled off a comeback for the ages against Egypt in the last 16.
Another extra-time win followed in the last eight, this time against Switzerland, before they came back from 1-0 down with six minutes of normal time remaining to beat England 2-1 and book their spot in a second successive final.
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And Messi was the catalyst for what was a remarkable run to the showpiece match at the New Jersey Stadium, rolling back the years with a string of vital goals and assists.
Looking to create even more history and become the first player ever to captain his nation to two World Cup crowns, Argentina fell agonisingly short at the last hurdle.
Spain proved too strong and eventually made the breakthrough in the 106th minute, as penalties began to loom.
Argentina, down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off with just a few minutes of normal time remaining, went in search for an equaliser but it was not to be.
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, a return that had him leading the race for the Golden Boot before Kylian Mbappe found the net twice in the third place play-off between England and France, while Rodri was named the player of the tournament.
He has won two Copa America titles and a World Cup, but it remains to be seen whether the defeat to Spain will be the last game of Messi's career in an Argentina shirt.
Fernandez: Something much bigger than a result
Fernandez also took to social media after Argentina’s loss. The Chelsea midfielder scored a crucial goal during the World Cup, rifling past Jordan Pickford to spark the comeback against England, but he struggled to make a positive impact in the final.
His defining moment came in added time at the end of the 90 minutes, when he saw red and made the task facing his side even harder.
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The 25-year-old was booked for dissent in the 82nd minute before he clattered into Pau Cubarsi 11 minutes later, leaving referee Slavko Vincic with little choice but to brandish a second yellow card.
A man down, the pressure eventually told in extra time as Spain got the decisive goal they deserved.
But Fernandez opted not to address his sending off, instead thanking his Argentina team-mates, coaches and fans for the part they all played in getting them to the final.
"As time goes by, you understand that there's something much bigger than a result," Fernandez wrote. "For years, this group has represented us in the best way. They teach us that competing isn't just about winning but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up.
"Being part of this group that always showed its mettle, that competed at the highest level, and that defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment is an honour.
"I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home anywhere in the world.
"Wearing my country's shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I have the opportunity to defend it."
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