Lionel Messi has sent an emotional message to Argentina supporters following La Albiceleste’s heartbreaking World Cup finale.

Messi’s hopes of leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles ended with a painful 1-0 defeat to reigning European champions Spain in the final.

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The defeat left Messi visibly emotional, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner seen in tears after the final whistle as Argentina’s dream came to an end.

The match itself was filled with drama both during and after the game.

Argentina put in a historically disappointing performance, with Lionel Scaloni’s troops unable to find their groove against a dominant Spanish side.

They only managed two shots throughout the entire contest, and their first effort on target didn’t come until the 117th minute after Ferran Torres’ matchwinner.

Argentina were outplayed and outmatched by Spain, who were ultimately rewarded for their bravery and relentless attacking intent.

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Tempers flared after the match as several Argentina players reacted angrily to the defeat. Midfielder Leandro Paredes was among those involved in heated scenes, and authorities are now investigating the team’s behaviour following the game.

After the defeat, Messi addressed supporters and admitted that the loss had left him devastated.

“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,” he said (via Daily Mail). “But I also hold onto all the good things.”

“The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.

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“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message.”

Messi was Argentina’s talisman throughout the tournament, notching eight goals and four assists.

It remains to be seen if he has played his last game for Argentina, but Sunday’s final will undoubtedly be his final appearance in the World Cup.