Lionel Messi proud of Argentina but says final loss ‘will take time to heal’

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message,' the Miami star said.

Lionel Messi spoke for the first time since losing the World Cup final. Pic: Matt Rourke/AP

Lionel Messi says the “pain is immense” and “will take time to heal” following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain which saw them come up short in the World Cup final.

Argentina were looking to make it back-to-back tournament victories but were beaten by Ferran Torres’ strike in extra time, earning Spain their second World Cup title.

Argentina experienced similar heartbreak after they were beaten by Germany in the 2014 final, meaning Messi has now lost twice in the defining game of the competition.

At 39, it could turn out to be his final World Cup, but Messi showed no signs of slowing down as he contributed eight goals and four assists.

Messi, expressing his feelings publicly for the first time since Sunday’s loss in New York, posted on Instagram: “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things.

“The matches we turned around by giving it our all — moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.

Messi scored eight goals in the tournament (Nick Potts/PA)

“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”