Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has expressed hope that fans will feel proud of Lionel Messi following the team's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Scaloni praised the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, asserting that Messi is the greatest footballer to ever play the sport. Speaking after the match, Scaloni remarked that what the Argentine captain achieved throughout the tournament was truly incredible.
Throughout the 2026 tournament, Messi remained a standout performer for La Albiceleste, recording a goal contribution in seven of the eight matches he participated in. The 39-year-old forward finished the competition with eight goals and four assists. While he trailed Kylian Mbappe—who secured the Golden Boot with 10 goals—Messi's overall output was significant as Argentina aimed for back-to-back world titles.
The final itself saw Spain dominate proceedings, controlling 65 percent of possession compared to Argentina's 35 percent. La Roja outclassed the defending champions, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain's second FIFA World Cup title. Argentina struggled to generate offensive momentum, failing to register a single shot during the 120-minute contest, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves to keep his side in the game. The match was physically intense, resulting in four corner kicks for Argentina, along with six yellow cards and one red card issued to the squad.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, there is widespread expectation that Lionel Messi will retire from the Argentinian national team in the coming months, marking the end of a historic era for the player and his country.
