Lionel Messi's World Cup ambition ends with Spain's victory in final

Lionel Messi's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign concluded with Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final on July 19. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Spain score the decisive goal through Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Messi entered the final with eight tournament goals but could not increase his tally against a strong Spanish defense, which kept him and Argentina without a shot on target. The loss also meant Messi finished second to Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race as Mbappé ended the tournament with 10 goals. After the match, an emotional Messi left his future in international football uncertain.

• 3:02 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi Gets More Bad News After World Cup Final Heartbreak