In a rare and deeply emotional interview featured by SPORTbible, Lionel Messi — widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time — opened up about the one match that continues to “torture” him to this very day. Despite a glittering career filled with triumphs, accolades, and historic milestones, Messi revealed that not every chapter in his football journey has been joyous — and there’s one loss he simply cannot forget.
Wearing a light pink training jacket and speaking with a calm but reflective tone, Messi recounted the moment that left a scar on his soul: the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final in Brazil, where Argentina faced Germany. In what was supposed to be a dream night for the Argentine captain and his team, the match ended in heartbreak after Mario Götze’s extra-time goal secured Germany’s 1-0 victory and crushed Argentina’s world title hopes.
Messi, who was awarded the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player, walked away with a heavy heart — not just from losing the final, but from feeling that he had let down an entire nation. The image of him accepting the award with a vacant, heartbroken look remains one of the most iconic and painful moments in modern football history.
In the image from the interview, Messi appears composed but you can sense the weight of the memory as he talks. A smaller inset photo shows him tearfully wiping his face, adding to the emotional gravity of his revelation. This juxtaposition of calm reflection and visible heartbreak perfectly captures the duality of a man who has achieved greatness yet still carries pain.
“The 2014 final is the one that hurts the most,” Messi confessed. “We were so close to glory. I had chances. We had chances. And it slipped through our fingers.”
Even after finally lifting the World Cup in 2022, Messi admitted that the loss in 2014 still lingers in the back of his mind. It’s a reminder that even legends are human — capable of both brilliance and heartache.
This candid admission by Messi serves as a powerful testament to his passion, his pride, and his unwavering connection to his country. It also reminds us that behind every sports icon is a deeply personal journey of trials, triumphs, and tragedies.
As fans, we often celebrate the wins. But in Messi’s story, it’s the loss that continues to resonate, reminding us all of the emotional depth and humanity behind the game we love.