After a second – and likely, final – heartbreak on the world’s biggest stage, Lionel Messi’s family exited the World Cup Final in tears as captured on video.
Messi and Argentina put up a woeful performance in the showpiece of the world’s grandest sporting event as La Albiceleste were humbled by Spain on Sunday.
The 1-0 scoreline flattered Argentina as they managed only two shots – and none on target – across 120 minutes that also saw midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off before the conclusion of normal time.
The devastation led to heartbreak for Messi as he was seen in tears on the pitch as he faced his countrymen in the stands – an echo of the 2016 Copa America Centenario Final held in the very same stadium that ended his international career the first time.
As Messi and his teammates departed the stadium without speaking to the media, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and the rest of the Messi family were escorted out.
Streamer and soccer influencer Iman Ali Dib captured the scenes outside of MetLife Stadium as Roccuzzo and her sons were led through the crowd by security following the heartbreaking defeat.
Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, departed MetLife Stadium with security guards
She walked hand-in-hand with her son, Mateo, who wiped away tears with his father’s kit
Messi was left once again with a silver medal around his neck after a 1-0 defeat
Roccuzzo waded her way through the crowd as Argentine journalists attempted to ask her questions, only to be swatted aside.
She walked hand-in-hand with her second-born son, Mateo, who was seen wiping tears from his eyes with his father’s kit.
Adding insult to injury, Messi walked away from the tournament – arguably his best showing ever at an international competition – without any awards as Kylian Mbappe’s Third-Place Game performance won him the Golden Boot and Spain captain Rodri claimed the Golden Ball.
A day after the stunning defeat, Messi posted his thoughts to Instagram to express his sadness at a second failed World Cup Final.
‘The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,’ he posted to his account. ‘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.
‘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.’
While Messi hasn’t officially confirmed he will retire, it’s believed that this will be his final World Cup. Whether or not he continues to play for Argentina in friendlies, in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying or at the 2028 Copa America remains to be seen.
