Messi says 'pain is very great' after World Cup final loss

Lionel Messi broke his silence on Monday after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, calling the loss a wound that will take time to heal. In an Instagram post, the 39-year-old captain wrote: "El dolor es muy grande y va a costar que cierre esta herida" Source: elnacionalve, lajornadamx.

What Messi said

Messi acknowledged the pain but also highlighted the team's achievements, including reaching two consecutive World Cup finals and the support of the Argentine people. "Hoy cuesta valorar lo que hicimos, pero este grupo llegó a dos finales consecutivas de la Copa del Mundo," he noted Source: lajornadamx. He also congratulated Spain: "También quiero felicitar a España por el campeonato" Source: lajornadamx.

Aftermath and return

Messi, who scored 8 goals in the tournament, did not return to Buenos Aires with the rest of the squad, according to local reports Source: elnacionalve. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) stated that some players would rejoin their clubs directly or take a rest period. Inter Miami, Messi's MLS club, has not confirmed when he and Rodrigo De Paul will rejoin the team Source: lajornadamx.