Messi called a ‘baby’ after desperate bid to send off Cucurello in World Cup final defeat

Messi was criticized after he called for Cucurella to be punished for covering his mouth with his hand during their World Cup final defeat / Image: Screengrab Lionel Messi found himself at the center of an unusual flashpoint during Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after appearing to urge referee Slavko Vinčić to penalize Marco Cucurella for covering his mouth while speaking.The incident occurred moments after Argentina were reduced to 10 men. Midfielder Enzo Fernández, reported for dissent earlier in the match, was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side at a numerical disadvantage heading into the final stages of the match.

Messi appealed to replace Cucurello

As Argentina’s players surrounded Slovenian referee Vinčić to protest the sending off, Spanish defender Cucurella briefly approached Messi during the break. Television cameras showed the left-back speaking as he partially covered his mouth with his hand before almost immediately lowering it.Messi was then seen gesticulating animatedly towards the referee, which appeared to suggest that Cucurella should also be punished under FIFA’s recently introduced regulation regarding covering players’ mouths during confrontations.

The FIFA rule was explained as no action

The law has become one of the most closely watched changes at this World Cup. At the start of the tournament, Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off according to the regulations, and Ecuador’s defender Piero Hincapié was also red-carded for covering his mouth during an exchange with an opponent.However, the regulation does not make every mouth covering an automatic referral. FIFA guidelines allow referees to consider the nature of the interaction, with sanctions applied if the action is part of an inappropriate or confrontational exchange. In the case of Cucurello, Vinčić took no action after the release threshold was not met.

Pundits criticize Messi’s reaction

The moment nevertheless drew immediate criticism from several TV pundits who saw Messi’s recall as an attempt to even out numbers following Argentina’s recall.In an interview on ITV, former England defender Lee Dixon was particularly critical.“The game’s gone if you’re getting bookings and red cards to send someone off,” Dixon said during the live broadcast.“You shouldn’t be such a child as to try to send someone away for that; it’s ridiculous.”BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan also described the incident as “desperation for Messi”, while former England captain Wayne Rooney echoed the assessment.“It is,” Rooney said. “Argentina play like that, we know they do. The only thing you want is good sportsmanship. It was sad to see Lionel Messi do that.”Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart shared a similar view, adding: “Yeah, I didn’t like that from Messi at all. He realizes how Spain are at the top in this final, Gabby, even if Lionel Messi is coming back to it.”

Spain sealed victory as Messi bowed out

In the end, Messi’s protests had no effect on the result. Spain continued to control proceedings before substitute Ferran Torres scored the game’s only goal in extra time to secure a 1–0 victory and Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title.

Spain’s Marc Cucurella (24) celebrates in front of Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) after the World Cup soccer final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The night ended in disappointment for Messi, who was widely expected to make his final World Cup appearance at the age of 39, as Argentina relinquished their crown while the debate surrounding a brief exchange with Cucurella became one of the final points of the tournament.