Lionel Messi was left in tears after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. He was visibly emotional after the final whistle as fans chanted his name and held up placards in tribute.
Spain dominated possession and denied Messi space in dangerous areas. Argentina struggled throughout the contest and failed to register a shot until the closing stages of extra time. Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card late in normal time.
Spain found the breakthrough in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro delivered a cross to the back post, Nico Williams headed the ball back into the middle, and substitute Ferran Torres fired a first-time half-volley past Emiliano Martínez to score the only goal of the final.
Messi attempted to spark a late comeback, curling one effort just over the crossbar, but Argentina could not find an equaliser.
Spain became the first World Cup champions to concede just one goal throughout the entire tournament. They also became the only nation to win the European Championship and the World Cup in successive tournaments on two occasions. Messi became only the second player to appear in three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final.
Will Messi Play in 2030 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi has not confirmed whether he will play at the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He said he does not know and is not thinking about it right now. He said he will continue for some time as long as he can contribute, feel good physically, and help his teammates. He also joked that he already completed the game at the last World Cup.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi is operating on his own timeline and will play as long as he wants. He said he does not have any idea and Messi does not stop surprising them.
Messi has a contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with matches also staged in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.
Scaloni Refuses to Talk About Messi Retirement After World Cup Final Loss
Messi was left in tears after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi will continue playing for as long as he decides. He called Messi the best football player ever and said all his teammates and people will support him. He hopes everyone feels proud of him.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. Spain dominated possession and restricted Argentina to just one shot on target. Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off.
Spain won their second World Cup title and their first since 2010. They conceded just one goal in eight matches. Rodri won the Golden Ball, Unai Simón won the Golden Glove and Pau Cubarsí won the Young Player Award. Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals.
Lionel Scaloni Hints at Argentina Exit After World Cup Final Defeat
Lionel Scaloni is unsure about his future as Argentina manager after the World Cup final loss to Spain. He said he will talk to the president of the federation and will see out his contract, but he feels the need to think. He said it is difficult to create another group like this again.
He has no complaints with the result. He said Spain deserved the victory and they need to accept it. He thanked his players and everyone who helped them reach another World Cup final.
He is the most decorated manager in Argentina’s history. He won the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. His contract expires in December. Eight players started both the 2022 and 2026 finals, and there will likely be significant turnover. Lionel Messi is 39 and his participation in 2030 feels unlikely.
Scaloni became emotional during the press conference and received applause from the assembled press.
FAQs
Q. Who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final?
A. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time.
Q. Why was Lionel Messi emotional after the final?
A. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final.
Q. What did Lionel Scaloni say about Messi’s future?
A. Scaloni said Messi will play for as long as he wants.
Q. What records did Spain set by winning the 2026 World Cup?
A. Spain conceded only one goal in the tournament. They became the first nation to win the Euros and the World Cup in successive tournaments twice.
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