Messi in tears after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain
Telemundo showed Lionel Messi crying after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, ending what it described as likely his last World Cup.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Lionel Messi was shown crying after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, in a Telemundo Deportes video published July 20.
The 1-minute, 14-second clip focused on the Argentine forward’s reaction after the loss, with Telemundo reporting that he was unable to finish what it described as apparently his final World Cup by retaining the title.
Spain’s win over Argentina was presented across Telemundo’s World Cup coverage as a crowning night for La Roja. Related Telemundo segments described Spain as claiming its second star 16 years after its first and showed the team’s coronation after beating Argentina in New York.
For Argentina, the post-match images were heavy. Telemundo also highlighted the emotion of coach Lionel Scaloni, including a segment centered on his tears after the final.
Spain’s night, Argentina’s heartbreak
Telemundo’s coverage framed the final as both Spain’s celebration and Argentina’s collapse at the last hurdle. One related segment said Spain “conquered its second star” in a memorable final, while another showed the Spanish team lifting the World Cup.
The network also aired analysis from former Spain player Guti, who said, according to the segment title, that Spain had been “very superior” to Argentina in the final.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was featured in another Telemundo clip saying, “No hay nada más grande que ganar un Mundial,” or “There is nothing bigger than winning a World Cup.”
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal was also shown reacting after the title, saying Spain would need time to believe what had happened, according to Telemundo’s listed interview segment.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was featured in post-match coverage as well, with Telemundo listing him as saying the ending was “the best script for a movie” and that it was an honor to coach the team.
A final image for Messi
For Messi, Telemundo’s video centered on a blunt sporting ending: Argentina reached the final but did not complete the title defense.
The network did not list a score in the clip information. It identified the match as the final against Spain and placed the moment within its Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 coverage.
The image of Messi in tears came as Spain’s players celebrated the title and Argentina’s camp absorbed the defeat, a split-screen ending to the tournament Telemundo covered from the final whistle through the trophy lift.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.