Despite the Albiceleste’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Argentina Football Association (AFA) President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia has lauded Lionel Messi and the team, saying they gave it their all for the country.
According to Naija News, Argentina’s reign as world champions came to an end and Messi was denied a successful title defense when substitute Ferran Torres scored the game-winning goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain their second World Cup victory in New Jersey.
Following the loss, Tapia used 𝕏 to express gratitude to the players, coaching staff, and backroom crew for their hard work during the competition.
Argentina, keep your head up and stand tall. We are grateful for your unwavering dedication throughout the entire process, your heartfelt representation of the entire nation, and your ability to restore our dreams,” he remarked.
“Proud of this team, the coaching staff, the teammates, and everyone.”
Argentina also tied an unwelcome World Cup record in the loss. The South Americans now share the record for the most final losses in the competition’s history with Germany after finishing second four times, according to Opta.
Germany placed second in 1966, 1982, 1986, and 2002, while Argentina lost the finals in 1930, 1990, and 2014.
Lionel Scaloni’s team was even more frustrated as they became the first team in FIFA World Cup final history to not score a single shot in the ninety minutes of play.
Additionally, Torres left his mark on World Cup history. After Mario Götze of Germany, who also scored against Argentina in the 2014 final, the Barcelona forward became just the second substitute to score the game-winning goal in a World Cup final.
Another outstanding record was extended by Spain’s victory. With 29 victories and nine draws in 38 straight games across all competitions, Luis de la Fuente’s team is now undefeated.
Spain now holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak by any men’s national team in Europe or South America, surpassing Italy’s previous European record of 37 games without a loss between 2018 and 2021.
