Following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, which may mark Lionel Messi's final appearance in the tournament, domestic media outlets praised the squad while conceding that the European champions had dominated proceedings.

Clarín, the nation's top-selling daily, featured an image of Messi in tears alongside the headline: "They left everything on the pitch: no blame attaches." Its editorial noted that "apart from the outcome and beyond pure results on the field, an unprecedented connection had formed between supporters and the national side."

La Nación carried a comparable front-page message: "Argentina left nothing behind and earned the country's admiration." Página|12 opted for "From here to eternity" and observed that Scaloni's Selección had fallen "to a Spanish team that dictated play throughout yet scored only in the second period of extra time." The piece concluded that "once the initial letdown passes, the lasting impact will be a squad that, led by Messi, has secured a permanent place in football history." Sports daily Olé echoed the theme with "May they be eternal," quoting a line from the anthem about hard-won honors.

Coach Lionel Scaloni departed his post-match media session visibly moved and left his future uncertain. "When players commit fully as they did today, it sets an example for the nation," he remarked. "You must recover and move forward. After giving everything, there is little room for criticism." Former international Marcelo Gallardo told ESPN that Scaloni had responded "with dignity, pride and genuine emotion, especially when facing such a setback." Gallardo also noted the semi-final against England had left the group emotionally spent and that Spain's style, focused on regaining possession quickly, prevented Argentina from regaining rhythm or control.

Columnist Alejandro Wall wrote in Tiempo Argentino that "Spain proved too strong for this memorable run." He portrayed Luis de la Fuente's side as "a force of skill and resolve that dictated terms at will," adding that the Argentines had been reduced to defensive resistance according to the match numbers. Nevertheless, he stressed the campaign overall stood above criticism because the team reached the final and acknowledged fans with visible emotion after the whistle.

President Javier Milei remarked that although the result fell short of hopes, the squad's record across recent tournaments, including three finals and one title, represented a historic achievement. He added that the match extended into extra time and that the players could not be faulted for their total commitment.

The Argentinian Football Association confirmed several squad members would return home on Monday, though no events were announced.