Top photos via CrewsMat10/X & jaymendoza/Instagram
Lionel Messi’s World Cup career ended in heartbreak at the age of 39.
This was after Spain won the 2026 World Cup in dominating fashion against Argentina, the defending champions.
The Spanish team held 68 per cent of possession and made more than 800 passes.
The Argentina players only managed fewer than 450 passes.
By the 110th minute, Spain had its 20th attempt at goal, 12 on target.
Argentina did not register an attempt on goal until the 117th minute in extra time.
They managed three attempts in total by the end, as they sought to draw level in the final dying minutes of extra time.
The match had ended 0-0 during regulation time.
Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute, right before extra time.
He received a second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the second half of extra time in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup.
Messi cries
After the final whistle was blown, Messi was reduced to tears.
He was consoled by Spain's sensation Lamine Yamal.
Lamine Yamal comforting Lionel Messi after the final is easily the most wholesome moment you’ll see today. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/efGNbaWc4A
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 19, 2026
Before the tender moment was caught on camera, a skirmish broke out between both teams.
Will Messi retire from international football?
So far, Messi has stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.
However, ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, the captain shared a message on his official Instagram account.
This was following Argentina's semi-final win over England.
In his post, Messi had thanked his teammates, coaches and Argentina staff before the final.
"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey. Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in difficult moments, and enjoying every step," Messi wrote.
"Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this national team a family."
