‘Messi, Messi!’: Argentina fans honor their captain as Spain lift World Cup trophy

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) stands on the pitch after the World Cup final (Photo AP/PTI) Lionel Messi’s glittering World Cup journey ended in heartbreak, but the love of Argentina’s supporters never faded.Moments after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, emotional scenes unfolded as Messi fought back tears as thousands of Argentina fans rose to honor the man who carried their hopes for two decades.Even in defeat, chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoed around the stadium as the Argentine faithful continued to chant for their captain. With a look of anguish on his face, the 39-year-old stood alongside his teammates and acknowledged the applause of the fans as Spain celebrated lifting the trophy in the middle of the pitch.The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation in more than 50 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. Ferran Torres tied the game just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after being set up by Nico Williams to give Spain a 1-0 victory and a second World Cup title.Messi, who has inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and also led the country to back-to-back Copa América titles, endured a frustrating evening as a disciplined performance from Spain denied him any chance of influencing the final. When Lamine Yamal pounced to celebrate Torres’ winner, Messi could only hang his head in disappointment.Spanish dominance was also reflected in numbers. Luis de la Fuente’s side outshot Argentina 20-2, the second biggest goal difference in a World Cup final since records began in 1966, completing 845 passes compared to Argentina’s 433. The newly crowned champions also finished the tournament conceding just one goal to extend their unbeaten run to a European record 38 matches.Messi, who appeared in a record 34th World Cup match in six editions, found little space against Spain’s organized defence. He managed just 15 touches in the first half and finished the game with 54, rarely getting the ball in dangerous positions.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted that limiting Messi was central to his side’s game plan.“The first thought was to keep Messi at bay,” he said.After the final whistle, several Spanish players crossed the pitch to hug and console the Argentina captain. Messi eventually slumped to the turf and stared into the distance before rising to collect his runner-up medal.Spain later formed a guard of honor as Argentina walked to the podium. Messi tried to smile, but his disappointment was unmistakable as several Spanish players patted him on the back in a gesture of respect.As golden confetti rained down on Spain’s celebrations, Messi left the pitch in silence with his silver medal. His shoulders slumped and his expression reflected the pain of a dream gone, as Argentina supporters continued to chant his name in recognition of a career that has inspired generations.