Football great Lionel Messi and Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni were reduced to tears after their side lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain, 1-0.

Spain were crowned world champions once again after defeating Argentina, capping a remarkable tournament with another statement performance.

The victory sealed Spain’s second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010,and confirmed the rise of a new generation that blended youthful brilliance with tactical maturity.

Spain crowned 2026 World Cup champions after beating Argentina

Their road to the trophy was anything but straightforward. Spain began the tournament with a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde but improved as the competition progressed, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive winner in extra time against Argentina in the final.

After the game, the Argentine players collected their silver medals for finishing second. Skipper Lionel Messi could not hold back his emotions upon sighting the trophy.

Standing with his hands on his waist, the Barcelona legend shed tears in what appeared to be a deeply emotional moment as his international career nears its conclusion.

Later, head coach Lionel Scaloni also broke down during the post-match press conference.

“We’ve tried to push ourselves to the limit until the very last minute, as the coaching staff and the players, and I think it’s only fair that I take this time to think it over. Above all, to start afresh, to build a team like this again, which will be very difficult to recreate. It hurts me, it hurts my soul. I am sorry,” Scaloni said while weeping, before immediately leaving the press room.

The futures of Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni with the national team remain uncertain, as both had hoped to win the title to crown their international careers.

Watch the videos below:

SCALONI LLORA en rueda de prensa….
Mejor el que nosotros

Me parece un buen entrenador pic.twitter.com/bYFJYWOtKQ

— NoKai (@nokai) July 19, 2026

Messi is CRYING after the most poorest word club final performance ever.

You deserve to cry while we're HAPPY 😊😁 pic.twitter.com/UCgqzx50NJ

— Born Madridista (@bornmadridista0) July 20, 2026