Messi Criticized for Appeal Against Cucurella in World Cup Final

Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of an unusual flashpoint during Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after appearing to urge referee Slavko Vinčić to punish Marc Cucurella for covering his mouth while speaking. The incident came moments after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men. Midfielder Enzo Fernández, who had already been booked for dissent earlier in the match, received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time following a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, leaving Lionel Scaloni's side facing the closing stages with a numerical disadvantage.

Messi appeals over Cucurella exchange

As Argentina players surrounded Slovenian referee Vinčić to protest the dismissal, Spain defender Cucurella briefly approached Messi during the stoppage. Television cameras showed the left-back speaking while partially covering his mouth with his hand before lowering it almost immediately. Messi was then seen animately gesturing towards the referee, appearing to indicate that Cucurella should also be punished under FIFA's recently introduced regulation concerning players covering their mouths during confrontations.

FIFA rule explained as no action taken

The law has become one of the most closely scrutinised changes at this World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, Paraguay's Miguel Almirón became the first player dismissed under the regulation, while Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was also shown a red card after covering his mouth during an exchange with an opponent. However, the regulation does not make every instance of covering the mouth an automatic sending-off. FIFA's guidance allows referees to consider the nature of the interaction, with sanctions applying when the action forms part of an inappropriate or confrontational exchange. In Cucurella's case, Vinčić took no action after determining the threshold for a dismissal had not been met.

Pundits criticise Messi's reaction

The moment nevertheless drew immediate criticism from several television pundits, who viewed Messi's appeal as an attempt to level the numbers after Argentina's dismissal. Speaking on ITV, former England defender Lee Dixon was particularly critical. "The game has gone if you're getting bookings and red cards for that, to get somebody sent off," Dixon said during the live broadcast. "You shouldn't be such a baby to try and get someone sent off for that; it's ridiculous." BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan also described the incident as "desperation from Messi", while former England captain Wayne Rooney echoed that assessment. "It is," Rooney said. "Argentina play like that, we know that's what they do. The one thing you want is good sportsmanship. That was sad to see, Lionel Messi doing that." Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart shared a similar view, adding: "Yeah, I didn't enjoy that at all from Messi. He realises how on top Spain are in this final, Gabby, if even Lionel Messi's reverting to that."

Spain secure victory as Messi bows out

Ultimately, Messi's protests had no impact on the outcome. Spain continued to control proceedings before substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in extra time, securing a 1-0 victory and Spain's second FIFA World Cup title.

For Messi, who was widely expected to be making his final World Cup appearance at the age of 39, the evening ended in disappointment as Argentina surrendered their crown, while the debate surrounding the brief exchange with Cucurella became one of the final talking points of the tournament.