Lionel Messi He found himself in an unusual spotlight during Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final when he appeared to urge referee Slavko Vincic to punish Marc Cucurella for covering his mouth while speaking.The incident occurred shortly after Argentina were reduced to 10 men. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who had been booked for dissent earlier in the game, received a second yellow card for a foul on Spanish defender Paolo Cubasisi in stoppage time, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side numerically inferior in the final stages.
Messi appeals against Cucurella swap
Spanish defender Cucurella briefly approached Messi in stoppage time as Argentinian players surrounded Slovenian referee Vincic to protest the decision. Television cameras showed the left-back covering his mouth with his hand as he spoke and then putting his mouth down almost immediately.Messi then made a graphic gesture to the referee, seemingly suggesting Cucurella should also be punished under FIFA’s recently introduced rules regarding players covering their mouths during confrontations.
FIFA rules interpreted as taking no action
The law has become one of the most closely watched changes at this World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under regulations, while Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie was also shown a red card for covering his mouth when communicating with an opponent.However, the rule does not provide for an automatic ejection for every act of covering the mouth. FIFA guidance allows referees to consider the nature of the interaction and will impose sanctions when the conduct forms part of an inappropriate or confrontational exchange. In Cucurella’s case, Vincic took no action after determining that the threshold for dismissal had not been met.
Experts criticize Messi’s reaction
However, the moment immediately drew criticism from several television pundits, who believed Messi’s call was an attempt to level the score after Argentina’s penalty.Former England defender Lee Dixon made particularly critical remarks on ITV.“If you get a yellow card or a red card for that, or someone gets sent off, then the game is over,” Dixon said during the broadcast.“You shouldn’t act like a kid and try to get someone sent off for that; it’s ridiculous.”BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan also described the incident as “Messi’s desperation”, an assessment echoed by former England captain Wayne Rooney.“Yes,” Rooney said. “That’s how Argentina play, we know that’s what they do. One thing you want is good sportsmanship. It was sad to see Lionel Messi do that.”Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart had a similar view, adding: “Yeah, I didn’t like Messi’s performance at all. He realizes how far ahead Spain are in this final, and even Lionel Messi can recover to that point. “
Messi retires, Spain seals victory
In the end, Messi’s protest had no impact on the result. Spain continued to control the game, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the game in overtime to win 1-0 and win Spain their second World Cup title.
Spain’s Marc Cucurella (24) celebrates in front of Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 19, 2026, near New York. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Messi was widely expected to play in his final World Cup at the age of 39, but the night ended in disappointment as Argentina relinquished the title and the controversy surrounding a brief exchange with Cucurella became one of the final talking points of the tournament.
