Lionel Messi showed his true colours with a heartfelt gesture to his Argentina team-mates after their World Cup final defeat. The three-time winners were hoping to secure back-to-back titles but were undone by Spain, who prevailed by a single goal after extra time. Ferran Torres struck in the 166th minute to give La Roja their second star at the expense of the defending champions.
Messi was visibly devastated after the final whistle, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner having failed to deliver glory for his country once again. It marked his second World Cup final defeat, having previously been on the losing side in 2014 before winning in 2022. Although the disappointment was clear to see, it wasn’t directed at his team-mates, who he later showered with gifts.
The girlfriend of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi revealed that Messi handed a gift pack to every single player, including Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
It included a personalised backpack, a customised water bottle and a complete yerba mate set, a popular drink in Argentina enjoyed by many players in the national team.
The gesture showed just how much Messi appreciated his team-mates, even though they were unable to win the World Cup for a second time.
The violent scenes that unfolded when Leandro Paredes attacked a number of Spain players, in addition to Argentina turning their backs on the trophy celebrations, caused no shortage of controversy throughout the football world.
Antonela responded on social media, sharing a strongly-worded message from writer and media figure Connie Ansaldi.
It read: “Proud to be Argentine. Argentina is exactly like a family; we may disagree and quarrel amongst ourselves, but if someone from outside comes and insults us, we will tear out their liver.”
Antoneli also paid tribute to her husband following the World Cup in an emotional Instagram post.
She wrote: “You will always be the best, @leomessi. Not just because of your talent, but because you have never stopped being yourself. Because no matter what happens, you never give up.
“You always fight to the very end and give your all until the final second. That strength, that mindset, and the way you pick yourself up time and time again are what make you unique.
“Thank you for showing us every day that true success is built through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, without ever losing sight of who you really are.
“You are the best example for our children and an inspiration to millions of people. I admire you more than words can express, and I feel immensely proud to walk through life by your side. I love you so much.”