Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup held in North America. The match, played on Sunday, July 20th, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is rumored to be Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance. Messi was seen in tears on the field, lamenting a missed opportunity to secure a second consecutive title for Argentina.

Without confirming whether he will retire from international play, Messi congratulated Spain on their victory in an Instagram post on Monday evening, expressing that the memories of the tournament will last. Argentina once again proved to be one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

Following the World Cup, ESPN reported that Messi and his national and club teammate Rodrigo De Paul will rest and recover, missing the next two regular-season matches for Inter Miami and the MLS All-Star Game.

In other developments, FIFA announced it will investigate a player brawl led by Paredes after Spain's World Cup final win. Meanwhile, Spain returned home to a royal welcome and a parade through Madrid.

Messi, who turned 39 during the tournament, will be 43 by the time of the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Sources