Argentine Lionel Messi at the end of the World Cup final. (AP photo)
Lionel Messi’s dream of signing for back-to-back World Cup titles ended on Sunday as the Argentina captain was overcome with emotion following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final.
Photos and videos of Messi crying as he struggled to contain his emotions after receiving the runner-up medal quickly spread across social media, sparking an emotional tribute from the Argentine Football Association.Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions thanks to substitute Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute strike, denying Messi one final fairytale ending in what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
AFA’s emotional tribute to Messi melts hearts
Shortly after the final whistle, the AFC sent a heartfelt message dedicated to their legendary captain, whose emotional breakdown resonated with millions of fans around the world.“Your tears are our tears, Captain. You have given us the greatest joys of our lives. Thank you for the dedication, the magic, and for giving your all until the last minute. We love you forever, Leo!” Union wrote on X.
Messi could barely hide his emotions as he watched Spain celebrate as Argentina collected runners-up medals.
Cameras captured the 39-year-old staring at the crowd with tears in his eyes before bowing his head in disappointment.The defeat marked the end of one of the greatest eras in the history of Argentine football. Messi led La Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title while adding Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. However, the dream of becoming the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup has been defeated by a dominant Spanish side.He watches:
Spain ends Argentina’s reign in dominant fashion
While the result suggests a close contest, Spain controlled almost every aspect of the final.La Roja enjoyed plenty of possession, completed nearly twice as many passes and finished 20-1 ahead in shots. Argentina were largely tied throughout the match and their task was made more difficult after Enzo Fernandes received a second yellow card late in normal time, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the entire extra-time period with ten men.The breakthrough finally came just 37 seconds into the second period of overtime. Pedro Porro crossed deep into the box, Neco Williams headed the ball back across goal and Ferran Torres arrived perfectly to slot home with his left foot into the roof of the goal beyond Emiliano Martinez.This goal secured Spain’s second World Cup title and first since 2010.