Lionel Messi was able to muster a pained smile as he shook U.S. President Donald Trump’s hand while collecting his World Cup runner-up medal after the 2026 final. But by the time he had trotted off the stage on MetLife Stadium’s churned-up pitch, going about as fast as he had all tournament, the realization of Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Spain finally appeared to sink in. The tears started to come.
This scene was beamed onto the big screen for the thousands of fans who had condemned themselves to a long, crowded journey home by remaining inside the New Jersey venue. In response, they applauded.
