LIONEL Messi’s World Cup ended in tears after Sunday’s final defeat against Spain.

The Argentine great was seen crying in heartbreaking television images beamed around the world.

Lionel Messi cries after losing the World Cup Final against Spain

Spain’s Lamine Yamal consoles Messi following the game

Cameras soon cut to Spain celebrating – but The Sun was on hand to see what fans watching back home couldn’t.

SunSport’s Sunni Upal had a seat in the lower tier with Verizon – who have given away more than 8,000 tickets to fans during this tournament.

A despondent Messi collected his runners-up medal from President Donald Trump and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino.

He then led his Argentina teammates to the penalty area at the end where most of their supporters had gathered.

Messi stood seemingly motionless for almost 10 minutes.

He was shown on the big screen at MetLife Stadium in tears – the same pictures that fans around the world were seeing.

Argentina fans chanted all the while their team stood in front of them.

There were cries of “Messi, Messi” which seemingly moved the great man to tears.

And after Spain hoisted the World Cup trophy aloft in the middle of the field, it was time for Messi to exit the stage possibly for a final time.

It was a spectacular tournament for the Argentine, but he just couldn’t get over the top.

He finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists across eight matches.

But Messi went home without the World Cup trophy, the Golden Boot, or the Golden Ball.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Messi

Messi surrounded by Argentina fans as he goes to take a corner kick

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/16727200/lionel-messi-final-world-cup-game-argentina/