Lionel Messi breaks silence on Argentina losing World Cup final amid retirement speculation
Lionel Messi has addressed Argentina's defeat in the World Cup for the first time since they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game for a dominant Spain on 106 minutes as Luis de la Fuente's side lifted their second World Cup.
Argentina had not had a single shot on the Spain goal until their opponents scored, with a gameplan completely focused on nullifying Spain's attacking threats.
They were reduced to 10 men in normal time after Enzo Fernandez was shown two yellow cards - the first for his reaction to not receiving a free kick, and the second for a mistimed tackle on Pau Cubarsi inside Spain's half.
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Messi, Argentina's captain, received little of the ball until Spain's opener due to his side's defence-first approach, and it wasn't until Argentina pushed forward that he was able to have more of an influence.
He also appeared to protest to the referee after Marc Cucurella briefly put his hand over his mouth while communicating with him in the second half.
But under new FIFA regulations, a red card should only be awarded if malicious words are exchanged.
READ MORE: Why Marc Cucurella wasn't sent off despite Lionel Messi protests during World Cup final
Fernandez, who didn't see the incident, also appealed to the referee to send off Cucurella - seconds after he himself was shown a red card.
Things got exceptionally heated after the end of extra time, with Nahuel Molina appearing to punch Rodri in the stomach as the Spain midfielder ran past him to celebrate.
Leandro Paredes grabbed the neck of Eric Garcia before, with the help of Thiago Almada, hauling Barcelona star Gavi to the ground.
Messi ultimately had to settle for a runners-up medal in New Jersey in what is likely to be his final match at a World Cup.
On his adidas boots for the final were written the words 'The Last Tango', indicating that he would no longer play for Argentina after the tournament.
No official decision has been yet been announced, but Messi has now addressed Argentina's defeat in an open letter.
Messi on Argentina World Cup final defeat
The open letter reads: "The pain is immense, it will take time for this wound to heal.
"But I also choose to hold on to all the good things, all matches we turned around by giving everything and moments that will remain in our memories forever.
"I will always remember the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, brought us back once again among the best teams in the world.
"Today, it is difficult to appreciate what we achieved... but this group has really reached two consecutive World Cup finals."
Messi chose not to address the controversial moments involving several Argentine players.
He went on to state that the country 'had come together' and shared 'the immense pride of being Argentine'.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message," he continued. "Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.
"I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the World Cup."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, FIFA World Cup, Spain
Ryan Smart