Messi's protest over Spanish defender fuels World Cup final controversy

In the closing moments of the World Cup final, Lionel Messi, the 39‑year‑old Argentine forward, tried to persuade referee Slavko Vincic to issue a red card to Spanish wing‑back Marc Cucurella, sparking a heated dispute in New York's MetLife Stadium.

Messi pointed out to the Slovenian official that Cucurella had covered his mouth with his hand, a gesture the Argentine star said warranted a dismissal.

The incident unfolded in injury time of the already intense final, as the match at MetLife Stadium in New York grew even more volatile.

Earlier in the same period, Enzo Fernández received his second yellow card after committing a foul on Pau Cubarsi.

Cucurella responded to Messi with a hand‑over‑mouth gesture, prompting an immediate reaction from both Messi and Fernández.

Despite the Argentine protests, referee Slavko Vincic chose not to punish Cucurella, leaving the Spaniard on the pitch.

Under the new regulations, players risk a red card if they speak with a hand covering their mouth during scuffles, yet social‑media criticism has focused primarily on Messi for demanding the Spaniard's exclusion.

De episode highlighted the tension surrounding the 39‑year‑old's call for Cucurella's dismissal, a request that was poorly received by fans and commentators alike.