New Footage Reveals Messi's Plea To Emotional Argentina Players Before WC Final | WATCH

Published 21 July 2026 · sports

New Footage Reveals Messi's Plea To Emotional Argentina Players Before WC Final | WATCH Published By, Last Updated: July 21, 2026, 15:58 IST New footage

New Footage Reveals Messi's Plea To Emotional Argentina Players Before WC Final | WATCH Published By, Last Updated: July 21, 2026, 15:58 IST New footage shows Lionel Messi urging Argentina to "stay calm" moments before the World Cup final against Spain, sparking fresh debate over the team's mindset before defeat. Rapid Read (Screengrabs from X) Fresh footage from inside Argentina’s tunnel moments before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has offered a rare glimpse into Lionel Messi’s final pre-match team talk. Messi’s side eventually fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute strike handing La Roja their second World Cup title. While the scoreline was narrow, the contest was anything but. Spain dominated from start to finish, limiting Argentina to just two shots across 120 minutes while creating chance after chance in one of the most one-sided World Cup finals in recent history. Now, a tunnel video circulating on social media has reignited debate over whether Argentina entered the match mentally burdened before a ball had even been kicked. “Let’s Stay Calm" As captain Messi prepared to lead Argentina onto the pitch carrying the team’s pennant, he turned towards his teammates — many of whom appeared tense and subdued — and delivered a simple but telling message.

Watch this closely Enzo looks like he’s been crying before kickoff and Licha’s eyes look the same then Messi told all of em “Let’s forget about everything"Something must’ve happened before the game that none of us know about. pic.twitter.com/gsDM6rU5xG — J. 🇵🇸 (@Messilizer0) July 20, 2026 “Come on, guys, stay calm, folks. Let’s stay calm, guys. Let’s just think about playing, stay calm. Let’s forget about everything. Let’s just think about playing, folks." The clip has quickly gone viral, with supporters dissecting both Messi’s words and the body language of the players around him. Some fans believe the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was urging his teammates to ignore the growing criticism surrounding Argentina’s route to the final. Lionel Scaloni’s side had been accused throughout the knockout rounds of benefiting from favourable refereeing decisions, while their aggressive approach also drew widespread criticism. Others suggested the emotion of potentially sharing a World Cup pitch with Messi for the final time had weighed heavily on the squad. Although the 39-year-old has yet to announce his international retirement, the defeat is widely expected to be his last appearance at football’s biggest tournament.