Messi reflects after Argentina miss out on history
Lionel Messi has penned an open letter to Argentina supporters following their unsuccessful bid to become just the third team in history to win successive World Cups.
Messi and Co went into Sunday's final with Spain as the defending champions after victory in Qatar back in 2022. But Argentina were very much second best against Luis de la Fuente's side, who dominated from start to finish.
Ferran Torres plundered the only goal of the game in extra-time after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off for a moment of madness in the final minutes of regulation time.
At 39 years of age, there is every chance Sunday's final in New Jersey was Messi's final World Cup appearance. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner broke down after the game when he was serenaded by Argentina fans.
Nearly 24 hours later, he has taken to social media to speak about the pain of said defeat, while also congratulating Spain on their win.
“The pain is immense, it will take time for this wound to heal. But I also choose to hold on to all the good things, all matches we turned around by giving everything and moments that will remain in our memories forever.
“I will always remember the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, brought us back once again among the best teams in the world .
“Today, it is difficult to appreciate what we achieved… but this group has really reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.
“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning World Cup.”
Ugly scenes follow the final
The aftermath of the World Cup final was marred by ugly scenes as Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes both lashed out at opponents.
Wayne Rooney condemned their actions, saying:
“Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me. We've seen this with Argentina before.
“It's just not the reaction you want. We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them.”
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