Thousands of Argentina supporters paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Albiceleste’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with many believing the tournament marked the legendary captain’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage. According to AFP, emotions ran high across Buenos Aires……
Thousands of Argentina supporters paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Albiceleste’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with many believing the tournament marked the legendary captain’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
According to AFP, emotions ran high across Buenos Aires as fans gathered in bars and public squares to watch the final, with many left in tears after Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup title.
At Cafe Relax in the historic centre of Buenos Aires, 22-year-old architecture student Camilo Cichero struggled to contain his emotions after the final whistle.
“I feel empty. Empty because of Messi, because I won’t see him in a World Cup again. This is the last one,” he said while comforting a crying friend.
“It’s not how we expected it to go. At least it gives me peace of mind knowing he’s already won everything there was to win.”
His friend, Juan Saenz, a 22-year-old law student, described the defeat as the end of an era.
“This was the last of Messi …it was the very end, and it finished this way.”
“I was born while Messi was playing, and this was the end of that era.”
Despite the disappointment, celebrations still erupted across parts of Buenos Aires as fireworks lit the sky, car horns blared and thousands of supporters gathered at the iconic Obelisk to honour the national team.
Read Also: Messi, Álvarez Lead Argentina; Yamal, Rodri Start For Spain In World Cup Final
President Javier Milei also praised the players in a post on X, writing: “Thank you so much, players!!! You fought until the very end. Argentina will always stand tall.”
Supporters had entered the match full of optimism after Argentina’s hard-fought run to the final, packing bars and public viewing centres across the capital despite freezing winter temperatures.
Inside Cafe Relax, excitement gradually turned into anxiety as the match wore on, with supporters nervously watching every attack before despair set in after Enzo Fernandez was sent off following two yellow cards.
Before extra time, 87-year-old Teresa Dolores del Rio Varela admitted the tension had become unbearable.
“It drags on and on, and you start to get nervous. I’m happy, but I just want it to end because it’s getting long,” she said.
Even as the match entered its closing stages, some fans remained hopeful.
“It’s incredibly complicated. I don’t know how it’ll happen, but it’s going to happen for us. We’re Argentine. We’re champions and we’re going to win,” said Joaquin Romero, a 22-year-old sales worker.
That optimism disappeared after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, leaving supporters in stunned silence.
Reflecting on the defeat, Cichero criticised Argentina’s performance.
“I didn’t like how Argentina played. I didn’t like the game plan, the substitutions, the players. I didn’t like the referee.”
For 62-year-old retiree Abel Torres, however, pride outweighed disappointment.
“Argentina gave it their all. Today was a true example of what Argentina is all about: that despite the hard times and the obstacles we face, we always rise again.”
In Messi’s hometown of Rosario, hundreds of supporters gathered to honour the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with fireworks and chants despite the loss.
“We’ve already won a cup. We can’t just break down in tears — we have to celebrate. Messi has already put us at the very top of the world,” Sergio Irrazabal told AFP.
