I saw what made Lionel Messi cry at the end of the World Cup final

The final moment was heartbreaking. Lionel Messi was unable to hold back tears as he looked out at the Argentine fans gathered behind the goal.

He was broken after a gruelling extra-time World Cup Final defeat by Spain. And while the little magician might have had cameras trained on him nearly the entire time, there were some moments that could only truly be understood by watching him intently from inside the New York/New Jersey stadium.

Watching his every move from the north side of the stadium, I saw a totally different side to the star – and discovered what may well have been the real reason he cried.

Now, most people would have seen how exhausted the 39-year-old was at full-time. When the game ended, he simply ripped off his boots and sat on the pitch for what felt like ages, legs splayed out.

When he finally raised his body off the turf, he just stood on his own, staring into the distance. He puffed out his cheeks, then continued to stare. I couldn’t take my eyes off the great man because he looked so incredibly lonely.

Messi has always been known for being a silent leader, but even from 200 yards away, you could see how separate he was from the rest of the squad. There were close to a hundred thousand people in the stadium bowl, but not one person – not even his teammates – seemed able to approach or speak to him.

When Sergio Ramos walked over with the trophy, Messi couldn’t bear to watch. He pressed his hands to his knees and bowed his head; it was simply too much.

As the players waited to collect their runners-up medals, he stood entirely alone. In fact, the only player I saw him talk to during the entire aftermath was Rodrigo De Paul.

When a minor disturbance broke out in the section housing the Argentina players’ families and the team marched over to investigate, Messi merely trudged half-heartedly at the back of the pack. As they walked back, he remained silently ahead. De Paul was the only player within two yards of him.

I could see in that moment how isolating life must be for him. A living icon, most of his teammates looked scared to get too close, even though he looked like he desperately needed a hug.

Then came the moment that explained everything. He walked up to the Argentina fans and finally burst into tears. The entire time, he had clearly been holding it in—he probably couldn’t accept a hug earlier because he didn’t want to break down too soon.

Yet, even as Messi wept, he was alone, that iconic number 10 shirt standing two yards off to the side of the group.

This, he must feel, is truly the end for him and Argentina.