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In his first public statement following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final—a match that has drawn widespread criticism over the team's behavior both during and after the game—Lionel Messi chose to reflect on the remarkable highs his nation experienced throughout what he still considered an enormously successful tournament.
Messi walked through the mixed zone after Sunday's defeat without making any remarks. The Argentine star said little to anyone, even standing by passively as his teammates got into a confrontation with their Spanish opponents following the final whistle.
That unsavory altercation, combined with various instances of gamesmanship throughout the competition, made Spain a widely celebrated champion heading into 2026. Former Germany star Toni Kroos, who defeated Argentina to claim the World Cup in 2014, summed up the prevailing sentiment with a social media post reading: "Football won."
The defeat hit Messi hard, however. "The pain is enormous," he wrote on Instagram within 24 hours of the final, "and it will take time for this wound to heal. But I'll also hold onto all the wonderful memories..."
Messi Looks Back on Positives of Argentina's World Cup Run
Argentina entered the final with a reputation for relentless determination. As head coach Lionel Scaloni described it: "This team performs at its best when faced with adversity."
Cabo Verde equalized twice against the defending champions, only to have their hopes dashed a third time in the dying moments. Egypt held a 2–0 lead with under 15 minutes to play, and England was ahead in the 85th minute, yet both were overcome without even requiring extra time.
"The matches we turned around through sheer determination—games that will stay with us forever—and the backing of an entire nation, which, alongside the dedication and effort of this squad, brought us back, once more, among the world's finest," Messi reflected. "Right now it's difficult to fully grasp what we achieved, but this team reached two consecutive World Cup finals.
"Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we came together as a nation and stood as one, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.
"I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship."
Where Does This Argentina Team Rank Among the All-Time Greats?
Argentina ultimately fell short of matching Vittorio Pozzo's Italy (1934–38) or the Brazil side of Pelé and Garrincha (1958–62) by claiming back-to-back World Cup titles, but the achievement of reaching consecutive finals is itself an exceptionally rare accomplishment.
It has only been achieved on seven previous occasions, with each of those teams earning a place among the most celebrated international sides in history.
Every Nation to Reach Consecutive World Cup Finals
Team | Span |
|---|---|
Argentina | 2022–26 |
France | 2018–22 |
Brazil | 1994–2002 (x3) |
West Germany | 1982–90 (x3) |
Argentina | 1986–90 |
Netherlands | 1974–78 |
Brazil | 1958–62 |
Italy | 1934–38 |
Perhaps the most compelling parallel for Argentina is with its own history. Four years after Diego Maradona's legendary peak with the national team in 1986, the iconic left-footed captain guided the very same squad under the very same manager all the way to the final once more. On that second occasion, he was undone by a cold, clinical European powerhouse in a forgettable final.
Messi cannot escape Maradona's shadow for long. After the euphoria of 2022, another outstanding campaign four years later has ultimately ended in heartbreak.