Messi in tears after World Cup final loss: Will he come back for 2030? Here's what we know

Lionel Messi was overcome with emotion as Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium — the 39-year-old visibly in tears as he collected his runners-up medal in what may have been his last World Cup match.

Spain claimed their second World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina. Neither side scored in 90 minutes. Argentina were also reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández's second yellow card before Ferran Torres headed home in the 106th minute.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez delivered a heroic performance with a record 11 saves — including keeping out a Nico Williams goal controversially ruled offside in extra time. Despite his heroics, a substitute Williams assist and Torres' finish proved decisive.

Despite the final heartbreak, Messi's 2026 World Cup was extraordinary — 8 goals and 4 assists, with all four assists coming in the knockout stages. He finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Kylian Mbappé, who won with 10 goals.

Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé — France (10 goals). Golden Glove: Unai Simón — Spain. Golden Ball: Rodri — Spain. Young Player of the Tournament: Pau Cubarsí — Spain. Messi was notably absent from the major individual awards for the first time in his World Cup career.

Messi has not announced his retirement from international football and has not ruled out the 2030 FIFA World Cup. When asked, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said: "I don't know. What do I know? I have no idea. He never stops surprising."