Argentine national team captain Lionel Messi confirmed that losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain was painful, noting that overcoming its effects will take time, but at the same time he stressed his pride in what the team achieved during the tournament's journey.
Messi said, in a statement via his Instagram account, that "the pain is great, and healing these wounds will take time, but I also hold on to everything that was beautiful, to the matches in which we came back in the score after we gave everything we had, and they are moments that will remain immortal in memory".
The "Tango" captain praised the support of the Argentine fans, confirming that the people's support, along with the work and effort exerted by the players, has once again returned the team to the ranks of the world's best teams.
He added: "It may be difficult today to appreciate what we have achieved, but this team has reached the World Cup final two consecutive times, which is an achievement that calls for pride".
Messi thanked the fans for the messages of support he received after the final, saying: "Thank you from the heart for every message and every congratulation, we have succeeded once again in uniting as a country and all sharing the pride of being Argentinians".
The Argentine captain concluded his statements by congratulating the Spanish national team on winning the World Cup title, wishing them success after winning the final match.
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