Messi Criticized for Cucurella Incident

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in the history books, with Spain crowned the new world champions. Despite dominating the entire match, the Euro 2024 champions needed 106 minutes to score the winning goal, courtesy of Ferran Torres in the second period of extra time.

This goal will undoubtedly be the most memorable moment from a final that was far from the dramatic clash witnessed four years ago in Qatar.

However, it wasn't the only tense moment in the match. Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the dying minutes of regular time after receiving a second yellow card for a rough challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Later in the match, Argentina's star, Lionel Messi, attempted to level the playing field by insisting a Spanish player also be sent off. This occurred after Marc Cucurella approached the football legend to speak with him, covering his mouth.

As demonstrated multiple times throughout the summer, any player who covers their mouth with their hand, forearm, or jersey during a confrontation risks receiving a red card.

Earlier in the tournament, Miguel Almirón of Paraguay and Piero Hincapié of Ecuador were both dismissed for similar offenses.

In this instance, Cucurella was seen speaking to Messi, briefly covering his mouth before lowering his hand.

Messi immediately began gesturing to referee Slavko Vinčić, demanding the defender be sent off.

However, the rules state that a player should only be sent off if malicious words are exchanged, and in this case, it was deemed that this had not occurred.

This is why several other players were observed covering their mouths during non-confrontational conversations, often between teammates, without leading to red cards.

Shortly after the incident, fans took to social media to criticize Messi for his behavior in the final, labeling it as petty and unnecessary.

BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan described it as “desperation from Messi,” while Wayne Rooney commented: “That’s exactly it. Argentina play that way, we know that’s what they do. All you want is good sportsmanship. It was sad to see Lionel Messi do that.”

Joe Hart added: “Yeah, I didn’t like that from Messi at all. He realizes how much better Spain are in this final.”

Another BBC analyst, Micah Richards, added: “There’s not much [to it]. He hasn’t fully covered his mouth, it was half, wasn’t it? You don’t want to see people sent off in a World Cup final for something like that.”