Lionel Messi has admitted that the physical and emotional toll of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semi-final against England contributed to their defeat in the final against Spain. In a candid interview, the Barcelona legend revealed that the draining nature of the England match affected the team’s performance in the final. The match against England, which took place in the second week of the tournament, left the squad exhausted, according to Messi.
Argentina lost the final to Spain on June 30, ending their bid for the World Cup title. Messi, who played his final international match against Benin on July 1, described the loss as a result of the team’s fatigue. He emphasized that the semi-final against England was a key factor in their inability to maintain peak performance in the final.
This marks the end of Messi’s 21-year international career. He scored in his final match, a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match was a fitting farewell, with Messi contributing a goal and two assists. His retirement comes two-and-a-half months after Argentina’s World Cup final loss.
Messi’s retirement has been widely celebrated, with fellow stars like Cristiano Ronaldo paying tribute. Ronaldo sent a respectful message to Messi, acknowledging his legacy and contributions to football. The end of Messi’s international career marks a significant moment in the sport, as he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.
