‘I want to congratulate Spain’

Lionel Messi has used the parting words of his first message since the World Cup final to congratulate Spain after La Roja dethroned Argentina to leave the icon in tears.

Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike settled a tempestuous encounter, with Messi – who may have played the last match of his glittering international career – crying on the pitch before skipping interviews alongside his teammates.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“The pain is immense and this wound will take time to heal. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.

“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”

Lionel Messi: How Argentina returned to ‘World Cup elite’

Messi had a sensational tournament, contributing eight goals and four assists in eight matches at the age of 39.

The icon led his country to the title in 2022 and was only outscored at the latest edition by 10-goal France striker Kylian Mbappe, who is the only player to have eclipsed Messi’s all-time total of 21 goals at the finals.

“I also hold onto all the good things,” reflected Messi, whose 125 goals and 207 caps are unsurpassed for Argentina.

“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.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the title.”

Lionel Messi: No contact with Argentina boss Scaloni

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni joined Messi in being unable to hide his despair after the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium.

“I haven’t spoken with Leo,” Scaloni told Ole, suggesting that his tenure could end when his contract expires in December.

“As for me, I’ll talk to the president: I’ll fulfill my contract and then I’ll see. I feel the need to think. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do something as big as this [again].

“Maybe we’ll have to see. I thank the president for the opportunity, for giving me this position. This place is a dream for everyone.

“We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff and players. It’s only fair that I can take this time and think about it.

“This place is wonderful – a dream place, one that my coaching staff and I never imagined we’d be in.

“To continue, a lot of things are needed: to reset, to form a group like this, which is unlikely to be formed again. It hurts me deeply. I’m sorry.”

Argentina vs Spain: Lionel Messi stats

Messi became the second player in World Cup history to appear in three finals (2014, 2022 and 2026), along with Brazil’s Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002).

At 39 years and 25 days of age, he is the oldest outfield player to have appeared in a World Cup final, with Argentina the sixth reigning champions to have reached the decider.

Having won all seven of their preceding matches at the 2026 edition, Argentina failed to become the first team since Brazil, who won seven out of seven in 2002, to have a 100% winning record at a single World Cup.

When is Lionel Messi’s next match?

While many members of Argentina’s squad have flown together to Buenos Aires, Messi has travelled to Rosario with his family.

His preparations could now begin for his return with MLS side Inter Miami, who have a packed schedule.

Assuming Messi takes a break for at least a week, here’s how the Herons’ fixture list looks for August. Asterisk denotes match starting on previous day in specified territory.

Date	Opponents	BST kick-off time	ET	PT
Sun, Aug 2	Columbus (H)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*
Wed, Aug 6	San Luis (H)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*
Sat, Aug 9	Monterrey (H)	01:00	20:00*	17:00*
Wed, Aug 13	Leon (H)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*
Sat, Aug 16	Nashville (A)	01:30	20:30*	17:30*
Wed, Aug 20	Philadelphia (A)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*
Sat, Aug 23	Toronto (H)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*
Sat, Aug 30	Montreal (H)	00:30	19:30*	16:30*