7M - 'Pain is Immense' — Lionel Messi Speaks Out After Heartbreaking World Cup Final Defeat to Spain

Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared his profound heartbreak following his side's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, admitting the "pain is immense" after coming up just short of retaining their crown, BBC Sport reports.

In what marked his final appearance on football's biggest international stage, the 39-year-old icon expressed immense pride in his team's effort throughout the tournament, while candidly acknowledging the devastating emotional toll of the late loss at MetLife Stadium.

Despite the agonizing end to Argentina's title defense, manager Lionel Scaloni and figures across the football world paid glowing tribute to Messi's historic World Cup legacy, as the global game bids farewell to one of its greatest ever competitors.