‘Heads held high’: Messi’s message after Argentina’s heartbreak

Lionel Messi was among the first to speak after Argentina's heartbreak on Sunday night. As Morocco celebrated their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph in Santiago, La Pulga took to Instagram with a message that summed up both pain and pride.

"Heads held high, boys! You had an impressive tournament, and although we all wanted to see you lift the Cup, we were left with the joy of everything you gave us and the pride of seeing how you defended the sky blue and white with your heart," wrote Messi, fresh off a hat trick for Inter Miami in the MLS.

The Argentine legend had followed the youth team's run closely, cheering them on from afar. Just days earlier, after their semifinal victory over Colombia, he had shared his excitement: "Let's go, to the final!! Congratulations to everyone!" But on Sunday, it was Morocco who wrote their names into history — and Argentina who were left to reflect on what could have been.

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Morocco stun Argentina to claim maiden U-20 World Cup title

Yassir Zabiri was the name that echoed through the Chilean night. The Moroccan forward's brace — a curling free kick in the 12th minute and a sharp finish 17 minutes later — powered his side to a 2-0 win, sealing Morocco's first-ever U-20 World Cup crown and making them the first Arab nation to do so.

For Argentina, it was a return to the final after 18 long years, but the evening didn't unfold as they dreamed. "It was difficult for us at the start, maybe because of the nerves of the final. An early mistake cost us the goal. Morocco are a team that, when they're ahead, defend well and counter with pace," admitted head coach Diego Placente.

In the locker room, silence hung heavy. The young Albiceleste, who had dazzled throughout the tournament, sat devastated. Placente tried to console them, reminding them of the bigger picture. "I told them I'm proud. They don't listen now — they're sad — but they'll understand later what they've achieved. You win and you lose. That's football."

While Morocco lifted the trophy with tears of joy, the Argentine players walked off with hearts full of lessons and pride. Their journey, though unfinished in glory, had reignited belief — and earned the admiration of the man they all grew up idolising.