Messi branded a ‘baby’ after desperate attempt to get Cucurella sent off
Lionel Messi faced criticism after appearing to urge the referee to penalize Spain's Marc Cucurella for covering his mouth during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The referee took no action, determining the interaction did not meet the threshold for a dismissal under FIFA's new regulations.
Why it matters
Highlights the ongoing controversy and enforcement challenges surrounding FIFA's new rules regarding player conduct and communication on the pitch.
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 exchangeAs Argentina players surrounded Slovenian referee Vinčić to protest the dismissal, Spain defender Cucurella briefly approached Messi during the stoppage.
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