Lionel Messi can conjure no more magic as World Cup crown passes from Argentina to Spain
- Posted on July 20, 2026
- By Chicago Tribune
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- 1 min read
In brief
After two decades of exceptional performances on football's greatest stage, Lionel Messi's quest for a second World Cup title has ended in heartbreak as Argentina surrenders its crown to Spain. Despite establishing himself as the sport's most complete player, surpassing the legacies of Pelé and Maradona, Messi was unable to guide his nation to becoming the first team in over 50 years to achieve back-to-back World Cup victories. This marks a defining moment in his illustrious career.
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Lionel Messi can conjure no more magic as World Cup crown passes from Argentina to Spain
20 after his World Cup debut and a career that lifted him above Pelé and Diego Maradona as soccer’s greatest player, Lionel Messi could not will Argentina to become the first repeat champion in more than a half-century.
