EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Lionel Messi was visibly emotional as his international future hangs in the balance after failing to deliver that final moment of brilliance to save Argentina from a loss against Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
In a dramatic turn, Ferran Torres scored just 37 seconds into the second extra-time period, securing a 1-0 victory for Spain and granting them their second World Cup title, while denying Messi and Argentina the chance to become the first back-to-back men’s champions since Brazil in 1962.
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“I hope everyone feels proud of him and acknowledges his incredible achievements. He is the best football player to ever step on the pitch,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
It’s unclear if this match was Messi’s last representing Argentina. He had previously indicated that the 2022 World Cup would be his swan song, yet the 39-year-old made history as the first man to play in six World Cups just last month.
Scaloni mentioned he had not yet discussed with Messi whether he would continue in international play. Messi and his teammates chose not to speak with reporters as they departed MetLife Stadium.
The majority of the 80,663 spectators were hoping to see Messi crowned a two-time champion. Instead, he struggled to hold back tears, looking despondent as he and his teammates acknowledged the applause of Argentina fans, while the Spanish players celebrated their victory on a podium at midfield.
Spain showcased their superiority throughout the final and the tournament. La Furia Roja dominated with a 20-2 advantage in shots and completed 845 passes compared to Argentina’s 433.
“When you have Messi on the other side, it makes you nervous. Ultimately, we needed to rely on our own game, and we demonstrated that,” Torres remarked.
After guiding Argentina to a victory against France in the 2022 final and clinching two Copa América titles, Messi was left humbled as Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who recently turned 19 and is seen as a rising star, rushed to hug Torres after their decisive goal.
When Messi departed European soccer for MLS three years ago, following a storied career with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, some speculated he would soon settle into retirement in Florida.
Instead, he led Argentina back to the final with an impressive tally of eight goals and four assists, bringing his World Cup career total to 21 goals—though that record was broken soon after by France’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice in the third-place match to take him to 22.
Messi became the first player to start three World Cup finals, increasing his international goal total to 125, putting him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146. Many regard this World Cup as further proof of his status as the greatest player of all time, surpassing legends like Diego Maradona and Pelé, who is a three-time World Cup winner.
With his characteristic slow stride and swinging arms, the 5-foot-7 forward drew attention every time he touched the ball on the right side. Fans and opponents alike anticipated his signature move to cut inside and unleash a shot with his powerful left foot.
Messi had only 15 touches in the first half, totaling 54 for the match, in a location where he has faced repeated frustration. He famously announced his retirement from international soccer after losing to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final at MetLife, only to return just 47 days later and lead his team to victory in the World Cup.
Against Spain, Messi struggled to find the ball in threatening positions, with his attempts to connect with teammates falling short.
“Our primary strategy was to contain Messi,” noted Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
Six Spanish players approached Messi in a show of support after the match ended, as he sank to the grass, gazing down at the field.
As Spain formed a guard of honor for Argentina players to collect their second-place medals, Messi attempted a smile but ultimately appeared blank as he walked through, with several opponents patting his back.
Spain has now established itself as a football powerhouse, holding both the men’s and women’s titles simultaneously. While gold confetti fell on the victorious Spanish team, Messi exited through a corner of the field, his shoulders hunched and expression somber.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Correction: This story has been updated to clarify quotes that were incorrectly attributed to Lionel Messi due to an Associated Press error.