No card for Tagliafico! Jamal challenge reignites debate over Argentina favoritism in World Cup final – Watch

Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico (right) fights for the ball with Spain’s Lamino Yamal. (Photo by AP/PTI) A controversial refereeing decision at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals has reignited the debate over alleged favorable challenges for Argentina after Nicolas Tagliafico escaped without a booking for a dangerous challenge on Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal.The incident occurred in the 29th minute of the title clash when Tagliafico caught Yamal as the Spanish winger carried the ball forward. Footage of the challenge quickly went viral, with many fans questioning why the Argentina defender was not shown a yellow card. Tagliafico appeared to make little attempt to play the ball, with his body weight landing on Yamal’s leg as the teenager moved. Although the challenge did not result in serious injury, the nature of the solution drew widespread criticism on social media.Several spectators claimed the foul was close to a red card offence, while others felt it was a clear booking that should not be ignored.WATCH:Former Premier League referee Graham Scott also criticized the decision, saying Tagliafico should have been cautioned for the challenge.“Nicolas Tagliafico could have been booked for persistent fouls for a single foul when he brought down Spain’s Lamin Yamal. It was a sloppy and clumsy challenge, to say the least, that was undeniably intentional,” Scott said, as reported by The Athletic .

Argentina’s controversial moments return to the biggest stage

The incident immediately brought back memories of previous debates surrounding Argentina’s refereeing decisions during the tournament.With Lionel Messi leading Argentina to yet another World Cup final, every major decision was scrutinized. The defending champions were already under pressure from critics who questioned some of the referees’ calls during the title match.However, despite the controversy, the match remained goalless at half-time, with Spain dominating possession and controlling the tempo.Spain, who had conceded just one goal before the final, completed twice as many passes as Argentina in the opening period and restricted Messi’s side to an all-time low. The three total shots in the first half were the fewest in a World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina had not scored a single try before the break – their first goalless first half in a World Cup match since 1966.The 0-0 half-time score also marked the ninth goalless first half in World Cup finals history.

Spain and Argentina are fighting for football immortality

Argentina entered the final seeking a fourth World Cup crown and the chance to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.Following their success in 2010, Spain were seeking their second World Cup triumph and were also chasing history as a potential first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles at the same time.