Djed Spence swaps shirts with Lionel Messi after England’s World Cup heartbreak

England’s World Cup dream was shattered by Lionel Messi’s Argentina – and within hours of the dramatic semi-final defeat it emerged that defender Djed Spence was the player who walked away with the captain’s coveted shirt.

The Three Lions fell 2-1 in a gripping last-four tie at the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta, as 39-year-old Messi produced two decisive assists in the closing stages to haul the world champions into another final. England’s wait to emulate their only World Cup triumph in 1966 will now stretch beyond six decades.

Despite the historical rivalry and the tension that surrounded both the match and its aftermath, Spence secured Messi’s jersey in the immediate post‐match exchanges, according to social media posts by his sister.

Sister reveals “lucky” Messi shirt swap

The identity of the England player who obtained Messi’s shirt had been the subject of intense speculation among fans and media in the hours after the semi-final.

It was confirmed by Spence’s sister, content creator Brea Spence, who has been chronicling her brother’s journey throughout the tournament in the United States. She described the right-back as the “lucky” recipient of the Argentina captain’s shirt, a prized souvenir from one of the defining matches of his career.

The swap has drawn attention not only because of Messi’s iconic status but also given the backdrop of long-standing footballing animosity between England and Argentina, from the 1966 and 1986 World Cups to more recent clashes.

Breakthrough tournament for Spurs defender

Spence, 25, currently on the books at Tottenham Hotspur, has enjoyed a breakout World Cup that has significantly raised his profile in European football.

He featured in all seven of England’s matches at the tournament, starting three of them. The semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta marked the first time he completed the full 90 minutes, and he was widely praised for an assured display, particularly in the first half, as England largely contained Argentina’s attack before Messi’s late influence told.

The former Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Stade Rennais, Leeds United and Genoa defender has been one of the standout performers in a side coached by German manager Thomas Tuchel, prompting interest from several major clubs.

Reports in Italy and England suggest Inter Milan, Everton and Juventus have all initiated moves to explore a deal for the full-back ahead of next season, sensing an opportunity to sign a player whose value has risen on the world stage.

“Heartbroken” Spence sends emotional message

After the final whistle in Atlanta, Spence turned to social media to address England supporters, posting a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account.

“مكسور الفواد، وهذا اقل ما يمكن وصفه.. لقد قدمنا كل ما لدينا، وتركنا ارواحنا وقلوبنا في الملعب، لكن التوفيق لم يكن حليفنا. هذه مجموعة خاصة جدا من اللاعبين، وانا فخور بانني جزء من هذا الفريق! سنعود اقوى من اي وقت مضى.. الله هو الاعظم”.

Translated, Spence described himself as “heartbroken”, saying England had given everything and “left our souls and hearts on the pitch” but that fortune had deserted them. He called the squad a “very special group of players” and vowed they would “come back stronger than ever”, ending his message with: “God is the greatest.”

The defender, who has Jamaican roots, has earned widespread admiration for both his performances and his response to England’s narrow elimination.

England to face France for bronze

England now have one more fixture to negotiate before leaving the United States. Tuchel’s side will face old rivals France in Miami on Saturday evening in the third-place play-off, with the bronze medal and a podium finish at stake.

The meeting with the reigning European champions offers England a chance to salvage tangible reward from a campaign that saw them reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals, but again fall agonisingly short of a second title.

For Spence, whatever happens in Miami, this World Cup is likely to be remembered as the tournament that transformed his career – and the night in Atlanta as the moment he left the pitch heartbroken, but clutching one of football’s most sought‐after shirts.