Cry more! – Social media users mock Messi after World Cup fiasco

Argentine football great Lionel Messi was subjected to ridicule on social media after losing 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain.

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.

Messi was largely ineffective in the game, unable to conjure his trademark magic to provide an assist or score a goal to salvage his side.

Spain crowned 2026 World Cup champions after beating Argentina

After the match, 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.

The emotional scene prompted some social media users, particularly those not fond of the Inter Miami star, to ridicule and mock him for failing to lead Argentina to a historic back-to-back World Cup triumph.

Some users argued that Messi and his teammates deserved the loss, claiming they performed poorly and resorted to aggressive play in an attempt to bully their way to victory.

Others asserted that Argentina had benefited from favorable refereeing calls in previous matches, and expressed delight that Messi failed to cement his legacy in the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate.

Read the reactions below:

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

The emotions have finally got the better of Messi, he's started crying

Gianni Infantino couldn't save him pic.twitter.com/yOex6ymi8I
— Cody Banks 🇵🇸 (@Cody__banks___) July 19, 2026

Messi faked his cry 😂… you can’t tell me otherwise pic.twitter.com/PfvAibGYPc
— Utd Azim💫 (@Azimkay1) July 20, 2026

Messi crying is beautiful to see

He ghosted the whole game to the point I forgot he was on the pitch

He had one of the worst individual performances I have seen in a World Cup game!

Argentina were a disgrace last night too!

Most importantly football won!#ESPARG #SPAARG…
— UTD_MNM 🇬🇧 🇵🇰 🇵🇸 (@UTD_MNM) July 20, 2026

Good morning patriots

Here’s a video of Messi crying immediately after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final

Hahahahaha - BOSH 😂 pic.twitter.com/6WHwfpnRc9
— BRITAIN IS BROKEN 🇬🇧 (@BROKENBRITAIN0) July 20, 2026

It's a beautiful way to wake in the the morning, watching Messi crying. *sips coffee*.
— 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛 (@TruthNotControl) July 20, 2026

Messi in tears the whole world in jubilation.

Finally Football won ✅💯 pic.twitter.com/KronzvJ7kl
— Enjazzy 👑 (@39billion_1) July 20, 2026

FIFA’s Help was not enough. Messi the cry baby! #spain #worldcup #messi #argentina pic.twitter.com/2HKtsDeTfe
— Mr Rayband (@iamrayband) July 20, 2026

Why is Messi in tears? He didn't play well to deserve the trophy. Infantino did his part, Argentina and Messi fell short on theirs 🤷🏾‍♂️
— Praxis (@NoeticCompass) July 19, 2026