Juliano Simeone has issued an emotional apology to Argentina fans after their World Cup final defeat by Spain, saying he is “sorry for not being able to bring the trophy” home.
The 23-year-old midfielder, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, came off the bench in the second half of the 1-0 loss and later posted a lengthy message on Instagram alongside a picture of himself on the pitch.
“There are no words to describe the pain I feel in these moments… I can only apologise for not being able to bring the cup to you,” he wrote as Argentina’s hopes of back-to-back world titles ended in disappointment.
Spain’s narrow victory in the 2026 World Cup final denied Lionel Scaloni’s side another historic triumph, four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar.
Emotional message to the nation
In his post, Simeone Jr directly addressed supporters in Argentina and around the world, paying tribute to their backing throughout the tournament.
“I thank the Argentine fans for all the support throughout the World Cup, in the stands and from afar,” he said.
The Atletico Madrid player, who made three appearances at the tournament, was introduced in the final as a substitute for Rodrigo De Paul in an attempt to change the course of the game.
Despite Argentina’s late push, Spain held on to claim the title, leaving Simeone and his team-mates devastated at the final whistle.
Tribute to team-mates and Scaloni
Simeone also used his message to praise his colleagues in the national team, led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, for the effort they put in over the course of the competition.
“Thanks to this group for giving absolutely everything in every match, and for putting their souls on the line for more than 46 million Argentines,” he wrote.
Diego Simeone, who manages his son at Atletico Madrid, was present at Argentina’s matches during the tournament, watching Juliano’s progress on the world stage from the stands.
The younger Simeone acknowledged the hurt of losing a World Cup final but said he believed time would bring a different perspective.
“Today is a sad moment, but I am confident that as time goes by we will remember with pride everything we experienced together in this tournament,” he explained.
Respect for champions Spain
Despite the pain of defeat, Simeone ended his message by congratulating the new world champions.
“Congratulations to Spain on the World Cup,” he wrote, underlining the respect between the two finalists.
Spain’s victory added another chapter to their modern footballing legacy, while Argentina were left to reflect on what might have been after a campaign that once again carried the hopes of an entire nation.
World Cup role for rising midfielder
Simeone featured three times at the 2026 World Cup. He started in the group-stage match against Jordan and again in the semi-final win over England, before being used from the bench in the final against Spain.
His performances in midfield, combined with his high work rate, had helped Argentina reach the decisive stages of the tournament and further raised his profile in European football.
Although the final ended in heartbreak, Simeone’s message suggested that, for Argentina’s young generation, this World Cup could still mark the beginning of a new era rather than the end of one.
