Argentines react with a mix of disappointment and reflection after their team’s World Cup final loss to Spain ends a long pursuit of another comeback led by Lionel Messi. Reporting from Buenos Aires describes a shift from early nervous excitement and loud cheering to anguish after Argentina falls 1-0, with fans expressing tears and visible grief in the immediate aftermath. Multiple outlets frame the defeat as the end of an era, largely because Messi—described as 39 years old—could be playing his last World Cup. At a bar in the historic center of the Argentine capital, supporters say the most painful part is the prospect of not seeing Messi again at a World Cup. Other coverage notes that Argentina’s tournament run features narrow wins and a “scrappy” path to the final, which contributes to the belief among fans that another tightly contested victory could be possible. Overall, the articles emphasize both the final’s result and the emotional impact on supporters who see the match as a turning point for Argentine football.