SportFootballLionel MessiSpain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi unable to lead his team to a successful title defence after Ferran Torres' goal at MetLife Stadium23:45, 19 Jul 2026Updated 00:11, 20 Jul 2026Argentina icon Lionel Messi burst into tears following his side's World Cup final defeat to Spain. The Inter Miami star managed to keep a stiff upper lip during the immediate aftermath but was unable to hold in his cry in the period after receiving his runners-up medal.‌Messi, 39, may have already played his final World Cup match, though he proved throughout the tournament that he was still able to contribute at the highest level. The attacker was kept out of the game against Spain for most of the match, though he provided some threatening moments as the South American side scrambled for an equaliser following Ferran Torres' extra-time strike.‌The former Barcelona star scored eight goals during the tournament, falling two short of Kylian Mbappe's golden boot-winning tally.‌While some of his team-mates threw punches, at the full-time whistle, Messi sat on the pitch and could only stare at the scenes around him in New Jersey. Messi rose from his feet to greet Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal who offered some comfort, rubbing the Argentina captain's back while in an embrace.Joe Hart highlighted Messi's composure at the end of the game, in contrast to the violent scenes involving Leandro Paredes. The former goalkeeper said: "Disgusting."There was one man on the pitch who did have class, and that was Lionel Messi - shook hands of every one of those Spanish players.‌"The game's done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour."JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page‌Matchwinner Torres highlighted Messi as a massive opponent to overcome on the biggest stage. He said: "I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here."Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We're far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them."Finals are hard. When you have Messi on the opposing team you do get worried but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again."Article continues belowIn addition to a runners-up medal for his part in Argentina's run to the final, Messi also received the runners up spot for the Golden Ball, the award for the competition's best player. Spain star Rodri claimed that one.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Cup 2026Lionel Messi