Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has claimed that the “physical and emotional” toll of their 2026 World Cup semi-final clash against England, was responsible for their below-par performance in the final.
Albiceleste, who were the defending champions at the tournament, failed to record a shot across 90 minutes.
The South Americans then went on to lose 1-0 in extra-time.
“We had a dream, my dream and the whole country’s dream of becoming world champions again.
“The match against England really drained us. Physically and emotionally, it was exhausting, and the truth is we arrived to the final running on fumes,” Messi said, after wearing Argentina colours for the final time against Benin Republic.
After the World Cup final, there were conspiracy theories surrounding why Argentina performed poorly against Spain, including speculations that the players and their families faced external threats or pressure to perform or yield prior to the final.
2026 World Cup: Real reason why Argentina lost final to Spain – Messi opens up