Despite the crushing disappointment, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also urged supporters to appreciate what the current Argentina squad has achieved, having reached consecutive FIFA World Cup finals

Lionel Messi has spoken for the first time since Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, admitting the pain of losing the title was "immense" while expressing pride in his team's remarkable run to a second successive final.

Undermined by Argentina’s lack of possession, Lionel Messi barely had a chance to touch the ball and work his magic in the World Cup final.