Lionel Messi has downplayed the controversy that surrounded the 2026 World Cup final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the United States.
According to the 39-year-old, nothing unusual happened in the final, despite the scuffle between Argentine players and their Spanish counterparts.
Speaking at his last game for Argentina, Messi revealed that his teammates gave their best in the final, noting that the semi-final against England took a toll on the players.
"The truth is that nothing strange happened in the final, as some are saying," he declared. "We gave it our all. The match against England was incredibly draining for us, both physically and emotionally. We barely made it.
"We fought as we always do, but unfortunately, we couldn't become champions. But have no doubt that every single one of my teammates left everything on the field for this jersey."
Fighting back emotions while addressing fans at the stadium in Buenos Aires, Messi shifted attention to his father, Jorge, who passed away in August at the age of 68.
"It's a lot of emotions. Obviously, the first thing I think about is my dad," he began. "All that's left for me to do is say thank you. It's meant so much to me to wear this shirt for 20 years. I never stopped striving, fighting, or wanting to be here."
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