Lionel Messi has used the parting words of his first message since the World Cup final to congratulate Spain after La Roja dethroned Argentina to leave the icon in tears. Ferran Torres extra-time strike settled a tempestuous encounter, with Messi who may have played the last match of his glittering international career crying on the pitch before skipping interviews alongside his teammates.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message, Messi wrote on Instagram.The pain is immense and this wound will take time to heal. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.Table of ContentsLionel Messi: How Argentina returned to World Cup eliteLionel Messi: No contact with Argentina boss ScaloniArgentina vs Spain: Lionel Messi statsWhen is Lionel Messis next match?Lionel Messi: How Argentina returned to World Cup eliteMessi had a sensational tournament, contributing eight goals and four assists in eight matches at the age of 39.The icon led his country to the title in 2022 and was only outscored at the latest edition by 10-goal France striker Kylian Mbappe, who is the only player to have eclipsed Messis all-time total of 21 goals at the finals.I also hold onto all the good things, reflected Messi, whose 125 goals and 207 caps are unsurpassed for Argentina.The matches we turned around by giving it our all moments that will remain in our memories forever and the support of an entire country which, combined with this groups hard work and effort, brought us back among the worlds elite once again.I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the title.Lionel Messi: No contact with Argentina boss ScaloniArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni joined Messi in being unable to hide his despair after the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium.I havent spoken with Leo, Scaloni told Ole, suggesting that his tenure could end when his contract expires in December.As for me, Ill talk to the president: Ill fulfill my contract and then Ill see. I feel the need to think. I dont know if Ill be able to do something as big as this [again].Maybe well have to see. I thank the president for the opportunity, for giving me this position. This place is a dream for everyone.We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff and players. Its only fair that I can take this time and think about it.This place is wonderful a dream place, one that my coaching staff and I never imagined wed be in.To continue, a lot of things are needed: to reset, to form a group like this, which is unlikely to be formed again. It hurts me deeply. Im sorry.Argentina vs Spain: Lionel Messi statsMessi became the second player in World Cup history to appear in three finals (2014, 2022 and 2026), along with Brazils Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002).At 39 years and 25 days of age, he is the oldest outfield player to have appeared in a World Cup final, with Argentina the sixth reigning champions to have reached the decider.Having won all seven of their preceding matches at the 2026 edition, Argentina failed to become the first team since Brazil, who won seven out of seven in 2002, to have a 100% winning record at a single World Cup.When is Lionel Messis next match?While many members of Argentinas squad have flown together to Buenos Aires, Messi has travelled to Rosario with his family.His preparations could now begin for his return with MLS side Inter Miami, who have a packed schedule.Assuming Messi takes a break for at least a week, heres how the Herons fixture list looks for August. Asterisk denotes match starting on previous day in specified territory.DateOpponentsBST kick-off timeETPTSun, Aug 2Columbus (H)00:3019:30*16:30*Wed, Aug 6San Luis (H)00:3019:30*16:30*Sat, Aug 9Monterrey (H)01:0020:00*17:00*Wed, Aug 13Leon (H)00:3019:30*16:30*Sat, Aug 16Nashville (A)01:3020:30*17:30*Wed, Aug 20Philadelphia (A)00:3019:30*16:30*Sat, Aug 23Toronto (H)00:3019:30*16:30*Sat, Aug 30Montreal (H)00:3019:30*16:30* Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Alexis Mac Allister Argentina National Football Team Cristian Romero Dani Olmo David Raya Donald Trump Emiliano Martinez Enzo Fernandez Enzo Fernndez FIFA World Cup Lamine Yamal Lionel Scaloni Lisandro Martinez Luis de la Fuente Marc Cucurella Mikel Merino Pedri Rodri Rodrigo de Paul Spain National Football Team World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full results, dates, games, fixtures and schedule from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 20th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament: Messi headlines star-studded line-up Mitch Fretton 20th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Five things we wont miss Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 Lionel Messi: Time to leave the international scene but remember the good times, not the shame of New Jersey Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni likely to leave in December following World Cup heartbreak Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 We know how to lose Scaloni humble in defeat as Argentina fail to defend World Cup title Mitch Fretton 20th July, 2026
