Messi admits the wound will take time to heal after the World Cup final

Lionel Messi, 39, broke his silence a day after the lost WK-finale, posting on Instagram that "the pain is huge and it will take time to heal this wound". The Argentine super‑star, who had kept his emotions in check after the match, finally let the tears flow while greeting fans in New York.

The tears came as Messi approached the crowd with the silver medal around his neck, a moment captured by and AP Photo. De 39‑year‑old had held his emotions back for days, but the sight of his supporters triggered a sudden outburst.

In his Instagram note, Messi wrote that the matches where Argentina fought back from behind would "forever be etched in our memory" and that the support of an entire nation helped them reach the top again. He added that the WK‑parcours had shown the team’s resilience and that he was proud of what they achieved.

Messi’s reflection hinted that this could be his allerlaatste dans – his very last dance – on the international stage. He described a mix of disappointment, pride and patriotism, saying the realisation that his career might be ending now had finally sunk in.

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni also expressed his admiration, calling Messi "the best player ever to step onto a football pitch" and admitting he too shed a tear. Scaloni said he had not yet spoken with Messi about his future, noting that the captain had already considered retirement a decade ago after consecutive Copa America final losses.

Spanish opponents showed great respect, with young forward Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres offering shoulder pats and words of comfort to the ex‑Barcelona star. Their gestures underscored the high regard in which Messi is held, even by the victorious side.

Messi concluded his message by congratulating Spain on the title and thanking everyone "from the bottom of my heart" for their messages. While the decision on his international future remains pending, the legend leaves the World Cup with one trophy, two final appearances, two Copa América crowns, 207 caps and 125 goals.

The next steps for Messi are still uncertain, but his words suggest a period of reflection before any final announcement.