Lionel Messi has reflected on Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting that the disappointment was part of his football journey and that the most important thing was giving everything to achieve victory.

The 39-year-old made the remarks in Oviedo, Spain, where he is to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The Inter Miami forward, who recently retired from international football after scoring 126 goals in 208 appearances for Argentina, also spoke about

1. the lessons he learned from defeat,
2. the values instilled in him by his parents and former club Barcelona, and
3. his desire to be remembered as someone who never stopped fighting for his ambitions.

Messi arrived in Oviedo on Thursday and was welcomed by hundreds of fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of the Argentina icon.

Accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, the former Barcelona captain posed for photographs, signed autographs and greeted supporters gathered outside his hotel.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is being recognised not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his charitable work promoting access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.

Why Messi Is Receiving the Princess of Asturias Award

Messi is receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport at a ceremony in Oviedo on Friday, October 23, presided over by the King and Queen of Spain.

The former Barcelona captain said he was excited and grateful to receive the recognition, particularly because of its prestige and his long association with Spain.

The award recognises both his outstanding football career and his humanitarian efforts.

In its statement, the Princess of Asturias Foundation praised Messi’s achievements and his commitment to helping disadvantaged children.

"In addition to his dazzling talent, the Jury highlighted not only his dazzling talent, but also his exceptional sporting career and his remarkable and ongoing charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children," the foundation said.

The statement also recognised his influence on the sport and the qualities he has demonstrated throughout his career.

"Leo Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned everyone's respect and admiration for his exemplary behaviour on the pitch and for his consistency, humility and commitment to team play."

The recognition adds to Messi’s extensive collection of individual and team honours, which includes eight Ballon d'Or awards, two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Messi Speaks on Argentina’s World Cup Final Defeat

Argentina’s attempt to retain the World Cup ended in disappointment after the South American champions lost to Spain in the 2026 final.

The defeat prevented Messi from securing consecutive World Cup titles following Argentina’s triumph in Qatar in 2022.

However, the former Barcelona star believes football is about more than lifting trophies, arguing that players must learn to appreciate the journey even when their efforts do not produce the desired result.

"In football, winning is very difficult, and you have to appreciate the journey, because only one team can win," he said.

"It happened to us in the final against Spain and in the final [1-0 defeat in extra-time to Germany] of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."

"That's why the important thing is to be competitive and give it your all to win, even if you can't; to have competed to the point of reaching your goal and to feel satisfied because you gave it your all, regardless of the result."

Messi has experienced both situation of triumph and heartbreak across his international career.

Before winning his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa América, he suffered three consecutive final defeats in major competitions over a three-year period, including Argentina’s extra-time loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup.

Messi eventually ended that wait for silverware by winning the Copa América in 2021 before leading Argentina to further continental success and the 2022 World Cup title.

‘You Have to Know How to Win and How to Lose’ - Messi

Messi believe the disappointment and experience of losing major finals, helped him develop and understand the importance of accepting mistakes.

The Argentina legend explained that learning from failure was essential to improving as a footballer, particularly in a sport where defeats are inevitable.

"There are some very positive takeaways."

"To improve, you have to accept your mistakes and try to put them right. It's important to know how to win and how to lose."

"I think that's crucial in our sport because, at the end of the day, in football you lose more often than you win."

This come after an international career that saw him overcome years of criticism and near misses before eventually achieving his long-held ambition of winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Having scored 126 goals in 208 appearances for his country, Messi leaves international football as one of the most decorated players in Argentina’s history.

Messi Reveals How He Wants to Be Remembered

Beyond his trophies and individual awards, Messi hopes his legacy will reflect his determination to keep pursuing success, regardless of the obstacles he faced.

His journey began when he left Argentina as a young teenager to join Barcelona, where he spent 20 years and established himself as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

During his time at the Spanish club, Messi won numerous domestic and European honours before continuing his career at Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami.

The former Barcelona captain stated that his career was shaped by his willingness to keep trying, even when his efforts did not always deliver the results he wanted.

"Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes I didn't, but I never stopped trying to win everything that lay ahead of me," he said.

Messi also expressed gratitude for the opportunities that allowed him to develop his talent and build one of the most successful careers in football history.

"There are many people with a lot of skills but fall by the wayside due to a lack of opportunities," the Argentine said.

Barcelona’s Influence on Messi’s Career

Messi credited Barcelona and the values instilled in him by his parents for helping shape his approach to football and life.

His influence at the club extended beyond his goals and individual brilliance, as he became central to one of the most successful periods in its history.

He highlighted the discipline and commitment required to succeed at the highest level, qualities that defined his two-decade spell at Barcelona

The Argentine described Barcelona as the club of his life and explained that his responsibilities extended beyond what he did on the pitch.

"When you're there [Barcelona], it's not just about playing football," he said.

"Rather, football is the result of many things you have to do, many responsibilities you have before you go to training or a match."

Messi Pays Tribute to His Late Father

One of the most emotional aspects of Messi’s reflections was his tribute to his father and agent, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8.

The Argentina icon spoke about the strong bond they shared and credited his father with teaching him an important lesson about perseverance.

Messi said his father was "very happy" about the Princess of Asturias Award, which recognises achievements extending beyond sporting performance.

He added that the recognition was about more than what he had accomplished on the football pitch.

Messi further explained the advice his father repeatedly gave him, encouraging him to keep trying regardless of whether an attempt succeeded or failed.

"To take the ball and give it a go, whether it went well or badly, not to dwell on it, because there was always one more move to try," Messi said of his father's mantra.

The lesson reflects the determination that helped Messi navigate the challenges of his career, from his early years in Argentina to his rise at Barcelona and his eventual international success.

Speaking about returning to Spain, Messi also expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received from supporters.

"It's been a long time since I last came to Spain, and being able to arrive and receive this affection again, the truth is it's an immense happiness."

"It's a privilege to be here with you all, and let's hope that this time we have together we can enjoy it and have a great time!" he said.

Although his international career has ended, the journey, the lessons learned from defeat, the opportunities he received and the determination to keep trying remain just as important as the victories that defined his career.

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