Lionel Messi
Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared a message yesterday thanking fans following the team’s defeat in the World Cup final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final last Sunday.
Messi posted a message in Spanish on his Instagram handle: “The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal. Yet, I cherish the positive moments—the matches where we bounced back and gave our all on the pitch—memories that will last forever. I also cherish the support of the entire nation, which, combined with this team’s hard work and effort, propelled us once again into the ranks of the world’s best.”
The post continued, “Heartfelt thanks for every good wish and message. Once again, we united as one to bring the country together and shared the immense pride of being Argentine. At the same time, congratulations to Spain on becoming champions.”
Messi has won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, and the World Cup in 2022. In this World Cup campaign, he recorded 8 goals and 4 assists, though the team ultimately lost to Spain in the final.
Last Sunday, Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), heaped praise on Messi for his extraordinary contributions to the national team. Posting a photo of Messi at the final’s venue, MetLife Stadium, the message read: “This story will live forever. Captain, there are no words in the dictionary to express our gratitude for everything you have given us. Thank you, on behalf of an entire nation, for your game, your unique leadership both on and off the pitch, and for teaching us to dream and fight until the very last second.”
Tapia’s post added, “Thank you for etching every moment of joy and emotion into our hearts, for every tear of pride, and for raising our flag to the highest peak in the world. Leo, you are immortal. You are a legend. You have made us the happiest country in the world. And this home—your home—will love you forever. Thank you so much.” “You are forever ours.”
The country’s President, Javier Milei, has announced a national holiday to celebrate the Argentina team’s World Cup campaign. The team has been given the choice to decide which day the holiday will be observed. Milei made this announcement in a social media post.
