Messi's final World Cup cements his legacy among legends

Lionel Messi cried after Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final, his final match at age 39.

Messi scored eight goals and made four assists, carrying Argentina to the final, but Spain denied them the title.

Diego Maradona would have hated the defeat, viewing the Argentina shirt as identity and rebellion, while Pele would have focused on separating the ending from the legacy.

Franz Beckenbauer would have noted that Spain were the superior team, restricting Messi and Argentina's attack.

Messi's tears pushed Maradona toward admitting that Argentina asked Messi to become Diego, instead of letting him be himself.