World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic has a shocking past with Messi in Argentina
In the early hours of Friday, July 17, FIFA announced the referees who will officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Slovenian Slavko Vincic was given the honor of being the main referee of the clash with his compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovačic, who will act as assistant referees.
Soon there was a touching moment It moved Vinci to tears in taking charge of his referee ahead of Sunday’s clash. While the soccer world greeted the news with joy, it may not be the same for Argentina fans. Vincic does not bring them any good memories of the World Cup.
VINCICO’S SHOCKING PAST WITH ARGENTINA
While the title may suggest a lot of drama, it’s pretty straightforward when it comes to Vincica and his representation during Argentina matches.
He did not play many games for the Albiceleste in his career, but the biggest one on his record did not come until 2022 during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The stage was the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Argentina will face Saudi Arabia in the opening match on 22 November.
Vincic took charge and gave Argentina a penalty in the 8th minute, which Messi converted. He even handed out a total of six yellow cards to the players of Saudi Arabia during the match.
However, he was finally at the whistle as Argentina succumbed to one of their shock World Cup results. Saudi Arabia turned the game around in the second half to stun everyone and win the match 2-1, leaving Messi and Argentina red-hot at the start of the campaign.
It was the only time Messi and co. they lost the match with Vincic at the helm.
WHAT ABOUT VINCICE AND SPAIN?
Vincic has often been included in Spain’s biggest matches in European competitions. He first took charge of La Roja in 2017 in a friendly against Colombia before facing Sweden in the Euro 2020 group stage.
He also refereed Spain’s UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy in 2023. However, each of these appointments came before Lamine Yamal established himself as a regular in the senior national team.
From the moment Yamal burst onto the scene, Vincic was at the whistle as Spain beat Italy 1-0 at Euro 2024 and then in the semi-finals of the competition against France.
Vincic has managed three games so far at this year’s World Cup and was in the spotlight during the Mexico vs Ecuador clash. The Slovenia official red-carded Pierre Hincapie for breaching FIFA’s code of conduct by covering his mouth during an exchange with Santiago Gimenez.
With many of the refereeing decisions during Argentina’s matches coming under the scanner, Vincic will be in the spotlight in New York on Sunday.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Published on:
Jul 17, 2026 12:12 PM IST