In a controversial moment during the World Cup 2026 final, Argentina's captain Lionel Messi was criticized for what many deemed childish behavior after he urged the referee and VAR to penalize Spain's Marc Cucurella. The incident occurred late in the second half with the score tied at 0-0, as tensions rose on the field.

As Argentina's Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card, resulting in his ejection, Cucurella was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Messi. This prompted Messi to raise his hands in protest, asking the officials to intervene. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026, was already tense, with both teams vying for dominance.

During the tournament, two players had already been sent off for similar actions, highlighting the scrutiny surrounding player conduct. FIFA's new regulations do not outright ban players from covering their mouths; however, they do penalize actions intended to conceal discussions during confrontations. FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina had previously clarified that normal conversations between players would not be penalized unless they were deemed provocative or threatening.

Despite Messi's pleas, referee Slavko Vincic chose not to consult VAR, indicating that Cucurella's actions did not warrant a red card under the new rules. This decision sparked a heated debate among commentators. Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon criticized Messi's actions, suggesting that exploiting such rules undermines the integrity of the game. He stated, "If such actions lead to a yellow or red card, then football is finished."

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment in Messi's behavior, while Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney described it as a sign of desperation. On social media, reactions were mixed, with some fans defending Cucurella and others mocking Messi's reaction. The incident has reignited discussions about sportsmanship and the evolving nature of football regulations.