Lionel Messi always keeps it classy! Argentina icon sends heartfelt message to Under-20 side after World Cup final defeat to Morocco

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi had been posting encouraging messages on social media after seeing Argentina overcome Mexico in the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup. He was among the interested observers as that tournament reached a thrilling climax, but the end result was not the one Messi was hoping for.

Messi savoured success at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005, with the stars of tomorrow looking to follow in his illustrious footsteps. It was not to be for Argentina 20 years after Messi helped to land the prestigious trophy, with a 2-0 reversal being suffered at the hands of Morocco.

Argentina had been in red-hot form throughout the tournament, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two en route to the final. Morocco, though, proved to be stubborn opponents as they defended resolutely as a collective and made the most of opportunities that came their way.

Messi is eager to point out that Diego Placente’s side should be proud of their efforts, with a bright future still beckoning. The all-time great posted on Instagram: “Heads up, boys!!!! You had an incredible tournament, and even though we all wanted to see you lift the trophy, we’re left with the joy of everything you gave us and the pride of seeing how you defended the sky blue and white with your hearts.”

Argentina entered the final as favourites and the most successful side in the history of U20 World Cup competition. Morocco, though, were out to claim their own entry in the record books. They have, as a nation, been making impressive progress of late.

Their senior team made history when reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup - with the ultimate prize there eventually being lifted by Messi. Morocco’s youth team has now achieved its own notable milestone.

They have become just the second African team to win the U20 World Cup, after Ghana in 2009. Morocco were gracing that event for just the fourth time, but have become the 14th different nation to lift the trophy.

Having kept a close eye on events at the U20 World Cup, Messi’s attention will now turn to his own pursuit of more major honours. The most decorated player of all-time has helped Inter Miami back into the MLS play-offs.

His tally of 29 goals through 28 regular season appearances in 2025 has earned him the Golden Boot, and he is now on course to make more history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back MVP awards in North America. That prize is expected to be passed his way after maintaining remarkable individual standards.

Inter Miami were unable to build on their Supporters’ Shield triumph 12 months ago, as they suffered play-off heartache, but have collective sights locked on MLS Cup glory this time around - with the plan being to give Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba the perfect send off into retirement.

There is no sign of Messi hanging up his boots any time soon, with the evergreen forward still going strong at 38 years of age. A new contract is being lined up for him in South Florida, with the “final details” of that agreement in the process of being thrashed out - with pen seemingly set to be put to paper shortly.

Fresh terms in Miami will take Messi through next summer’s World Cup, with the expectation being that a man with 195 international caps and 114 goals for his country will form part of Argentina’s defence of a global title when FIFA’s flagship event heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico.