Nigeria, July 22 -- Argentina captain Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since La Albiceleste's agonising defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, admitting the loss has left a deep emotional scar while expressing immense pride in his teammates' remarkable journey.

The Inter Miami superstar remained silent in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's final in New Jersey, where Ferran Torres' extra-time winner secured a 1-0 victory for Spain and ended Argentina's hopes of retaining the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

However, the 39-year-old has now broken his silence with an emotional message posted on his Instagram account, reflecting on the heartbreak of falling just one step short of back-to-back World Cup...