Indeed, Lionel Scaloni’s men didn’t register a single shot against Spain in the first 90 minutes, the first time a team failed to have a shot attempt in regulation time in World Cup final history. In extra-time, though, La Furia Roja made their extra-man advantage count as they created some big chances before Ferran Torres struck the winner in the 106th minute.

After a somewhat strange Argentine display, some internet theories have suggested something must have gone wrong before the game. Adding to those claims, Lionel Messi’s body language and comments to his teammates ahead of kick-off have generated plenty of discussion.

Lionel Messi’s Pre-World Cup Final Speech Sparks Concern

A clip has emerged of Messi talking to the Argentine players in the tunnel ahead of kick-off, where he seems to be addressing an incident in the dressing room. He said:

“Let’s stay calm, boys. Forget about everything else. Forget about everything. Let’s just think about playing, that’s all.”

Truth be told, Argentina did not stay calm with Fernandez getting a red card. A number of other players, most notably Leandro Paredes, also lost their cool on the day. With Messi’s comments circulating online, many supporters have been left wondering what exactly caused him to urge his teammates to ‘forget about everything’.

One asked: “I need to understand why Messi said “forget everything that happened” before heading out to the final. What the hell are we missing? What did they do to them?”

Another added: “Honestly, after how weird the whole match was and now this video pops up, I’ve got a thousand doubts.” While a third wrote: “The whole match was weird. Argentina played like they didn’t want to be there. No pressing, no attacking, not even defending, nothing. And now this comes out…”

Someone else added: “Something happened before that match, well, the truth will come out.”

Others also seemed to think Fernandez was even in tears, as one noted: “Enzo crying before the final is the weirdest thing here. He’s always the most hyped guy. It seems very shady, not to mention he got sent off that match.”

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Explanation For Strange Argentina Dressing Room Scenes

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after losing the World Cup finalREUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Amid all the speculation, a possible explanation has emerged for the seemingly sombre mood of the World Cup finalists. Indeed, trusted Argentine journalist Hernan Castillo – who has previously reported for the likes of ESPN – took to social media to explain that things were so emotional because Messi had confessed it was likely his final game:

“Yesterday’s locker room speech was even more emotional because he talked about it being his last game too.”

At this moment in time, Messi has yet to confirm if he will ever play for Argentina again. Now 39, it’s almost certain that this would have been his final match at a World Cup.

Speaking on social media, he has now addressed the defeat, stating: “The pain is very great and it will take time for this wound to heal.

“But I also take away all the good things… With the matches we turned around leaving everything on the pitch and that will remain forever in the memory, with the support of an entire country that together with the work and effort of this group led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.”

He finished by congratulating Spain on their triumph.