Read 3 minutesUpdated: 20 July 2026 09:03 AM IST
Lionel Messi collected his FIFA World Cup 2026 runners-up silver medal from US President Donald Trump after a memorable match against Spain at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening. The highs of a 2022 victory were quickly erased as he exited the podium. The Argentina talisman broke down in tears as he said goodbye before walking down the players’ tunnel.
Messi’s forgettable night effectively illustrated Argentina’s woes against Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish unit. A 106th-minute strike from Ferran Torres was the only goal to show for their dominance in the final, but it ensured Argentina didn’t have a shot on target for 120 minutes.
Also read | Ferran Torres extra-time strike defeats Argentina; Spain won the title
Messi admitted that Spain deserved to win after his spell failed throughout the tournament.
“I feel bad, but I know we played with our hearts,” Messi told reporters after the defeat. “It was good to be honest. We lost the game and we accepted it. It doesn’t mean we forget what we have done so far, so I want to thank my people, my players and the country.”
With his Argentina future uncertain, the 39-year-old produced a memorable campaign in his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored eight goals and four assists in the campaign and finished second behind France’s Kylian Mbappe (10 goals, two assists) in the Ballon d’Or race.
Lion Messi breaking down in front of Argentina fans in 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 pic.twitter.com/SKn8w7cHAe
— Anatoly Fan (@fananatoly) 19 July 2026
Messi took his World Cup goals tally to 21, Mbappe’s 22 in just three campaigns.
Speaking after the defeat, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s presence.
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“I hope everyone is proud of him, what he has achieved because he is the best football player to ever step on the pitch,” he said.
Argentina, who appeared in a record third World Cup final, were prevented from becoming the first team to defend their title in 64 years since Brazil in 1962. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente revealed that neutralizing Messi’s influence was a primary requirement for his side in the summit clash.
Also read | After the World Cup final, there was an ugly fight between the players of Argentina and Spain
“The first idea was to keep Messi away,” said de la Fuente.
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Limited to just 15 touches in the first half and 54 in total, Messi once again struggled to what was one of the lowest points of his career. MetLife Stadium’s 2016 Copa America final loss to Chile led to his short-lived international retirement. He retired after 47 days, eventually winning the World Cup for Argentina in 2022.