Soccer
Lionel Messi makes first statement after World Cup defeat: 'This wound will take time to heal'
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Lionel Messi and Argentina fell at the final hurdle at World Cup 2026, losing 1-0 in extra time to Spain on Sunday.
The tournament was a reaffirmation of Messi's status as one of the best players in the history of the sport, as he led his team to the final by being Argentina's primary attacking weapon.
Messi scored eight goals and registered four assists, earning man of the match honours six times, all while turning 39 years old during the competition.
Yet his heroics weren't enough to boost la Albiceleste to another World Cup title, and after Sunday's match a visibly upset Messi could do little more than watch as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy in front of him.
Less than 24 hours later, Messi took to social media to share his feelings after the weeks-long tournament, noting how painful the loss in the final was and congratulating Spain on their victory.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," Messi wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. "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."
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