'The pain is immense' – Messi's message after Argentina's World Cup final defeat

A day after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi said on Monday that "it will take time for this wound to heal," though he stopped short of clarifying his future with the national team.

"The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal," the Albiceleste captain wrote in a post on Instagram.

"But I also choose to remember all the good things. The matches we turned around by giving absolutely everything, and which will remain in our memories forever. The support of an entire country, together with the hard work and commitment of this group, helped us once again become one of the best teams in the world," Messi added.

Messi, like the rest of his teammates, left the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday without speaking to the media following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain, which was sealed by a Ferran Torres goal.

For once, the Inter Miami star was unable to weave his usual magic as Argentina's attack was completely stifled by La Roja.

Messi came within one match of leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title. He had also suffered heartbreak in his first World Cup final in 2014, losing to Germany, before finally lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.

On Sunday, after collecting his runners-up medal, Argentina's skipper broke down in tears as the squad went over to thank their supporters.

"Today it's difficult to appreciate everything we achieved, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals," said Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament.

"Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine," he said.

"I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship," Messi added, concluding the message to his 514 million Instagram followers.

Future remains uncertain

According to local media, Messi was not among the Argentina players who returned to Buenos Aires on Monday, where the squad was due to receive a welcome from supporters.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said some members of the squad were returning directly to their clubs, while others were beginning a period of rest.

As Argentina continues to rally around its players following the painful defeat, attention is also turning to whether Messi will continue his international career or bring this remarkable chapter to an end.

The forward has repeatedly suggested that this World Cup would be his last.

However, inspired by the way he once again led the team, Argentina's supporters are hoping he will at least remain in the squad to defend the Copa América title in 2028.

MLS contract

Last October, Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami through to the end of the 2028 season, by which time he will be 41.

Inter Miami has yet to confirm when Messi, or teammate Rodrigo De Paul, will return to action in Major League Soccer.

The reigning MLS champions resume their campaign on Wednesday away to the Chicago Fire, who could hand a debut to high-profile new signing Robert Lewandowski.

Inter will then face CF Montréal on Saturday and Columbus Crew on August 1 before beginning their Leagues Cup campaign, the tournament contested by clubs from MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.

Messi's participation in the MLS All-Star Game also remains uncertain. The exhibition match, which pits an MLS select side against a team of Liga MX stars, will be played in Charlotte on July 29.

Messi was voted into the squad for the showcase but has never shown much interest in taking part since arriving in Miami in 2023.

He declined to participate in 2025, resulting in a one-match suspension, and has also been absent from promotional material for this year's edition.

– TIMES/AFP