Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia paid an emotional tribute to captain Lionel Messi after the defending champions fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time at the World Cup final in New Jersey's Met Life Stadium. Messi, 39, became the first player to start three World Cup finals but could not replicate his tournament form of eight goals and four assists.

Tapia posted a photo of Messi on the pitch after receiving his runners-up medal, writing: "A story that will live forever... You are eternal, Leo." Messi earned his 205th cap and has 125 international goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo's 146. The Inter Miami forward led Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory and consecutive Copa América titles (2021, 2024).

Tapia also honored coach Lionel Scaloni, who said he will consider his future as his contract expires end of 2026, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, who made a World Cup final-record 11 saves against Spain. "You're the best in the world," Tapia told Martinez, referencing his 2022 heroics in Qatar.