SportFootballCristian RomeroCristian Romero was unable to win another World Cup with Argentina at the weekend and has opened up on the pain he feels in the wake of the defeat08:00, 21 Jul 2026Cristian Romero has opened up on the "hurt" he feels after Argentina's World Cup defeat but insists "one thing we'll never lack is heart".‌The South Americans failed in their bid to win back-to-back World Cups as they were outclassed in Sunday's final by Spain, who scored their winner in extra-time. Argentina had produced some dramatic victories en route to the final but ultimately came up short.‌They've copped huge criticism for their physical approach and, most notably, the unsavoury scenes that followed the full-time whistle. Leandro Paredes was sent-off after the final whistle after being pictured shoving Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat.‌Romero made headlines as he went up to collect his runners-up medal, but snubbed a handshake from US President Donald Trump, and the Tottenham defender has issued a heartfelt statement on his social media.He said: "And this time, it didn't happen for us. And believe me, it hurts. It hurts a lot, because no one wanted to keep writing this beautiful story more than we did. We dreamed of bringing the cup home again, and it didn't happen."But if there's one thing we'll never lack, it's heart. We left it all out there. We had to settle for second place, but we never stopped representing Argentina with the pride and commitment that this jersey deserves. What a pride and fortune it is to be part of this family, damn it @Argentina.‌"Sorry we couldn't give you that joy we so wanted to deliver. We play for you, for every Argentine who was cheering from every corner of the world. We feel that love every day."Today it's time to get back up. Start over. Work harder, believe more, and prepare so that this jersey returns to where we ourselves put it in these last years, at the very top. Because finals aren't handed to you—they're earned by reaching them. And this group, and whoever steps up, will keep fighting, united, with the same dream as always.‌"Thank you for being there. Thank you for believing. We'll rise again because that's Argentina. Always together."Romero will return to Tottenham, who have invested huge sums after securing Premier League survival, but his future with the north Londoners has been questioned over recent months.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.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Cristian RomeroArgentina football teamWorld Cup 2026