‘Cowards!’ – Martinez and Messi’s Half-Time World Cup Final Outburst Revealed

New footage from Argentina dressing room has emerged following their defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

Argentina were outplayed by Spain as they suffered a 1-0 loss after extra time, with a red card for Enzo Fernandez compounding their misery. Ferran Torres grabbing the winning goal as the Barcelona star ensured the game was not settled via penalties.

Behind-the-scenes tunnel footage has now revealed motivational speeches from captain Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez both before and during the final.

Prior to kick-off, Messi attempted to ease pre-match tension by urging his team-mates to block out external noise.

Addressing the squad, the Barcelona legend stated: “Come on, boys, hey. Stay calm, everyone, stay calm. That’s the main thing. Let’s stay calm, boys, let me see composure, stay calm. Let’s just focus on playing, alright. Stay calm, let me tell you to forget about everything, forget about everything. Just play, let’s just focus on playing, everyone, just play, let’s go.”

Argentina players line up for the team photo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain. (Photo by Liu Lu/VCG via Getty Images)

At the interval, with the scoreline locked at 0-0 but Spain dominating possession, Martinez took charge in the tunnel with a passionate demand for greater forward urgency. The Aston Villa shot-stopper rallied: “Come on, with heart, boys, hey. Playing with heart means driving forward, not going backwards, forward. Forward, forward, forward, forward. Cowards play backwards, let’s move forward. Three passes and we find Leo, let me see us build it from the back too.”

Messi then added: “Come on, boys, character, everyone, character. We’ve always had it, aren’t we going to show it now? Come on, hey. Character to play, let’s play our football, let’s play, come on.”

Despite the motivation from Messi and Martinez, Spain proved a tough opposition to beat and deserved to be crowned champions.

Its unclear if Messi and Martinez will call time on their international career, but they’ve led the team with their heart and soul.