SOCCER: Messi says Argentina's defeat by Spain left immense pain

Lionel Messi said Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final left him with "immense" pain, but he praised his teammates for reaching a second straight final and thanked supporters for standing behind the national team throughout the tournament.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the match's only goal, ending Argentina's hopes of defending the World Cup title and becoming the first men's team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back championships.

"The pain is immense and it's going to take a long time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote on social media.

"But I'll also hold on to all the good memories… the support of an entire country which, together with the hard work and effort of this squad, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world."

The 39-year-old captain also congratulated Spain on its victory and said Argentina could take pride in reaching consecutive World Cup finals. Messi became only the second men's player, after Brazil's Cafu, to appear in three World Cup finals, having played in the championship matches in 2014, 2022, and 2026.

Messi remains Argentina's most decorated player, leading the nation to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, Copa América championships in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. The Inter Miami forward is also an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.

"Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united," Messi said. "Sharing the immense pride of being Argentine." -Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters