Messi fights back tears after Spain's 1-0 World Cup final win

Lionel Messi was left in tears after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The overwhelming majority of 80,663 spectators had hoped to see Messi become a two-time champion. Ferran Torres scored 37 seconds into the second extra-time period to give Spain the victory and their second World Cup title.

Messi said after the match that Spain had outplayed his side. "They were better, to be honest," he said. "We lost the game, and we accept that." He added: "I feel sad, but I am aware that we played our hearts out."

Spain's statistical edge

Spain held a 20-1 advantage in shots and out-passed Argentina 845-433. Messi finished with 15 touches in the first half and 54 for the full match.

He had led Argentina to eight goals and four assists during the tournament, taking his World Cup career total to 21 goals. He became the first player to start three World Cup finals and raised his international goals total to 125.

Post-match scenes

Half a dozen Spanish players walked over to console Messi at the final whistle. He dropped to the grass with his hands behind him and stared ahead. When Spain formed a guard of honor for the Argentina players to receive their runners-up medals, Messi walked through with a blank expression.

Spain became the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles at the same time. Messi later walked out of a corner exit with his shoulders hunched.