Lionel Messi has publicly addressed Argentina’s loss to France in the 2022 World Cup final, expressing his continued pain and disappointment. He acknowledged the initial joy of the victory that briefly felt real before the dramatic penalty shootout. Messi admitted the dream of seeing Argentina win the World Cup again was incredibly close, making the ultimate defeat particularly difficult to accept. He shared a photo on Instagram of himself holding the World Cup trophy, emphasizing the pride he feels for the team's performance throughout the tournament. Messi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans, recognizing their dedication and belief in the team. Despite the heartbreak, he maintains a sense of pride in the Argentinian squad’s fighting spirit and their journey to the final. He concluded by reaffirming his desire to continue playing for Argentina.