Lionel Messi was given a proper send-off from what might have been his final World Cup match ever, as Spain and Argentina fans were united in appreciating the legend.
Messi’s World Cup career might have ended with a third appearance in the final in his last four tries, but he has only one title to show for it.
Nonetheless, Messi has established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the tournament and the sport.
As a result, fans of both countries gave the 39-year-old a fitting send-off after the 2026 World Cup final.
Lionel Messi tears up after Spain and Argentina fans pay tribute amid World Cup loss
Despite the game ending as a one-sided affair in Spain’s favor, fans of both national teams serenaded Messi with chants after what might have been his final appearance at the World Cup.
The weight of carrying a nation is never easy to bear, and Messi has done it with Argentina for two decades now.
Messi dominated Spanish league football and became their all-time leading goalscorer for his exploits with FC Barcelona over 17 years, building a massive fan following in the country.
With Messi emerging out of the La Masia academy and being a naturalized Spanish citizen by the time he became an adult, the Spanish FA tried getting him to represent them instead of his home country.
However, Messi’s love for Argentina is well-known, as he chose to represent them internationally rather than playing alongside his club teammates on the iconic Spanish squad of the 2010s.
It’s scary to imagine what Spain could’ve done to world football if Messi played for them, as they’ve won two different World Cups over Messi’s prime with entirely different squads.
Regardless of that decision, Messi will always be venerated as one of the greatest figures in the sport by both Spanish and Argentinian football fans.
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