Spain were the better team. More than that, they are clearly the best national side in the world.
They defeated France, Argentina and Belgium, and beat England in the previous European Championship final. Their control, technique, passing combinations and ability to attack from the wings or through the center are unmatched.
And it is not only about individual talent. As Thierry Henry once said, this is a system Spanish players learn from the age of nine.
This Spain may not yet equal the legendary team of 2010, but it is not far behind.
Still, the heart aches.
Billions did not want to see the best team win. They wanted to see the greatest player in history win.
For one half, it still looked possible. But as the match continued, Spain’s victory began to feel inevitable.
And so Lionel Messi left the World Cup stage, probably for the final time, without a second trophy.
Another World Cup would have permanently ended every argument about whether he is the greatest footballer ever. But for those who already believe he is, that is not what hurts.
What hurts is that the fairytale did not happen.
We wanted the greatest possible ending for the greatest possible player. Football, in its cruelty, refused to give it to us.
Messi created chances, especially in extra time, but it was not enough.
Perhaps he will stay for one more Copa América. Perhaps not.
Spain deserved to win the World Cup.
But the ending the world wanted belonged to Messi, and it never came.
