Lionel Messi sends message to Argentina players after painful loss to Morocco in FIFA U-20 World Cup final

Lionel Messi was tuned in to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final. However, as it ended in heartbreak for Argentina’s youth national team, the senior squad’s captain and national icon delivered a firm message to his fellow countrymen after the defeat to Morocco.

If there is a sentiment Messi can relate to, it is feeling the sadness as a major international tournament slips through his and Argentina’s hands. However, if there is a lesson to be learned from Messi, it is that there is always a shot at redemption.

“Heads up, guys,” Messi wrote on an Instagram story. “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 watching you defend the sky blue and white with all your heart.“

Harsh blow

Coming into the game as favorites, Argentina was in for a rude awakening as Morocco came out swinging, finding the back of the net less than 15 minutes in. The youth Atlas Lions controlled the pace of the match, striking on the counterattack to put the game out of reach with more than half the game left to play.

Yassir Zabiri of Morocco.

Although Argentina held possession, Morocco never looked fazed; instead, it displayed composure throughout the 90 minutes. When all was said and done, Morocco dominated the tactical side of the game and capitalized on every mistake by Argentina. An obviously heartbreaking loss for the Argentina U-20 national team, but certainly a key lesson for the young talents on the roster.

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Messi’s numbers in FIFA U-20 World Cups

Though eligible to play in two tournaments, Messi has only appeared in one FIFA U-20 World Cup. Still, one was more than enough for the world class phenom to showcase his skills at an early age.

During the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, Messi shined en route to a gold-medal finish, helping Argentina secure its fifth U-20 World Cup title. The Albiceleste now boasts six U-20 World Cups, the most by any country.

Back on Messi’s accolades from his lone participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, during the 2005 edition he registered six goals, including a brace in the final against Nigeria, which ended in a 2-1 triumph for the Albiceleste. Thanks to his marvelous performance, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and the Golden Boot as its leading goal scorer.