Video: The legend cries… Messi collapses in front of the cameras at the painful moment of farewell.

In an emotional scene that marked the end of an era in world football, Lionel Messi’s tears flowed profusely at the medal ceremony after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, bidding farewell to the national team after falling short of their dream of a second title.

The Argentina captain, who was out of sight throughout the match in the face of Spain’s dominance, could not hide his disappointment as he collected his runner-up medal and walked past the trophy he lifted four years ago at Qatar 2022.

Messi’s tears, which were captured by cameras around the world, symbolized the painful end of the reigning champion’s career in the tournament, and the farewell to the Argentine legend, the owner of the number 10 shirt, after a career full of achievements.

Messi’s deep sadness remained the most visible image at the coronation ceremony, despite the formality, in contrast to Spanish side La Roja’s celebrations on the pitch at MetLife Stadium, where the 39-year-old appeared psychologically devastated.

Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America, was unable to perform at his usual level in the final as Spain’s defense managed to neutralize him throughout the match.