Messi congratulates Spain, thanks Argentina fans after World Cup final defeat
In a post on his Instagram account on Monday, Messi said the pain of the defeat is immense and will take time to heal.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi thanked the team's supporters following his side's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Fifa World Cup final on Sunday (19 July).
In a post on his Instagram account on Monday, Messi said the pain of the defeat is immense and will take time to heal.
"... But I also cherish the good moments. Our fightback performances, giving everything on the pitch, and the support of an entire country helped take us back among the world's best," he wrote.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Messi also thanked fans for their messages and said the team had once again united the country. He congratulated Spain on winning the World Cup.
Messi won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup. He finished the 2026 World Cup with eight goals and four assists but ended the tournament with defeat in the final.
Following the match, Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia praised Messi for his contribution to the national team.
Posting a photo of Messi at MetLife Stadium, Tapia thanked the captain for his performances, leadership on and off the pitch and for inspiring the team to fight until the final second.
He added that Messi will remain immortal in the hearts of Argentines.
Argentina President Javier Milei also declared a national holiday to celebrate the team's World Cup campaign.
In a social media post, he said the squad will be allowed to choose the date of the holiday.
