Lionel Messi played in yet another World Cup final, this time with Argentina falling to Spain in extra time. After the final whistle, the captain of the “Albiceleste” remained composed, but his face was visibly emotional. He stood there for a few seconds, as if trying to process the end of yet another great journey, before sitting down on the grass and shaking hands with the Spanish players passing in front of him.

He bore no resemblance to the vacant gaze he had after the lost final in 2014, that moment when he seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders following the defeat by Germany. Much has happened since then—most notably the epic victory of 2022, the trophy that forever changed his relationship with the tournament and placed him among the all-time greats.

His gaze at MetLife Stadium wasn’t one of despair. It was more a calm acceptance, a silent realization that his World Cup journey has come to a close in a way that no one can dispute.

*photo source: AP