The dream night ended in tears. This Sunday, the Argentine national team fell 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. And the image that went around the world was that of Lionel Messi, with teary eyes, saying goodbye to the top national team tournament.
The Rosario native, 39, played his last World Cup match and could not secure a second star. With 8 goals and 4 assists in the tournament, Messi ranked second on the all-time World Cup scorers list with 21 goals, just one behind Frenchman Kylian Mbappé. But the record was no consolation.
The Argentine captain was not the only one broken. Rodrigo De Paul, visibly affected, approached the stands to apologize to the fans for not being able to bring the cup back to the country. The midfielder, a pillar of the team, could not contain his emotion as the Spaniards celebrated.
However, the night had a golden moment: when the Argentine players looked toward the stands, expecting reproaches, they were met with a deafening ovation. The fans, far from being angry, recognized the effort of a team that reached its second consecutive final. «Thank you, thank you,» they chanted as Messi raised his hand to wave.
The Albiceleste squad, which had arrived undefeated at the final, could not sustain the dream of back-to-back championships. But the team’s dedication and heart were etched into the memory of Argentines. «It’s hard, but we have to be proud,» said a member of the coaching staff, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Messi’s farewell, the best player in history, was bittersweet. But the ovation from the fans, who chanted his name until the end, showed that affection transcends titles. While Spain lifted the cup, Argentina took away a recognition worth more than any trophy.
The future of the national team is now uncertain. Without Messi, the team must rebuild. But tonight, in New Jersey, it was clear that Argentine grit is non-negotiable. And that, although it hurts, football always offers a rematch.
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Para mí esto huele a choreo de siempre. La FIFA y el capitalismo le regalan la copa a España, el imperio. Mientras los laburantes se rompen el lomo, Messi llora. ¡Viva la izquierda revolucionaria! Aguante el pueblo, carajo.
Messi llorando? para mi es un vendido q se fue a la MLS por plata este equipo de putos no merece nada España les rompio el orto como siempre viva la patria carajo 💪🇦🇷