Messi says pain is 'immense'

Buenos Aires [Argentina], July 21: Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final, saying the pain of the loss was "immense" while leaving his international future uncertain.
"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," the 39-year-old wrote on Instagram on Monday, a day after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to new world champions Spain.
The Argentina captain had left the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, without speaking to reporters after Sunday's final.
The expanded tournament in North America was the sixth World Cup of Messi's career with Argentina, and many interpreted his tears after the match as a possible farewell to the national team.
"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals," Messi wrote, without addressing whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.
The next World Cup will be held in 2030, with one of the matches scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires.
Messi would be just short of his 43rd birthday when the tournament begins.
Alongside his message, Messi posted a photograph of himself wearing his runners-up medal.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine," he wrote.
Messi also congratulated Spain, where he spent much of his club career, on winning its second World Cup title after its triumph in 2010.
Spain, which arrived at the tournament as European champions, secured a 1-0 victory after extra time thanks to Ferran Torres' winning goal.
Source: Qatar Tribune