Lionel Messi found himself at the center of controversy during the World Cup final after he appeared to push Marc Cucurella for a red card. The Argentina captain’s reaction came amid heightened tensions, turning a tense match into complete chaos. The drama escalated shortly after Enzo Fernández received his orders to be shown a second yellow card following a rash challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
As Argentina’s players mobbed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, emotions spilled over, and in the middle of the commotion, Cucurella tried to talk to Messi, but what happened next caused a stir. While the Spanish defender appeared to be covering his mouth while they were arguing, Messi ran to the referee, apparently asking him to take action.
Under FIFA rules, players can be penalized for making contact while covering their mouths, which was previously seen in the case of Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron. Messi’s response showed he believed Cucurella had crossed the line.
Messi tried to dismiss Cucurella for this. He didn’t even close his mouth like that.
I have been told to believe that Messi is humble, okay guys😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/PK2Y2hoXMJ
– Church July 19, 2026
‘Such a kid:’ Dixon doesn’t hold back
That moment did not go unnoticed in the comment box. ITV commentator Lee Dixon was quick to condemn Messi’s actions, delivering a harsh judgment live on air. “The game’s gone if you get a chance and a red card for that, for someone to get a red card,” Dixon said. “You shouldn’t be a baby trying to get someone out for that; it’s ridiculous.” Criticism was quickly heard on social media, with many questioning whether the Argentine star had crossed the line on the game’s biggest stage.
Spain score late as Argentina fades away
While the controversy continued, football told its story, and it wasn’t good for Argentina. Despite being charged with a heavyweight fight, the defending champions failed to register a single shot in normal time, relying heavily on Emiliano Martínez to keep them alive. The goalkeeper saved a wonderful shot and denied Lamine Yamal the decisive free kick. But the resistance lasted long, Spain’s perseverance finally paid off in extra time, when super sub Ferran Torres scored the winner early in the second half. It was a deserved success for Luis de la Fuente’s crafty, possession-heavy side.
Messi trying to give Cucurella a red card after touching his mouth. pic.twitter.com/pS7pkLpgOK
– Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) July 19, 2026
The saddest moment of #ArgentinaVsSpanish the match was Messi trying to get Cucurella out by gagging him. Complaining like a whiny little wimp. pic.twitter.com/9Uht63oeoB
— Sangita (@Sanginamby) July 20, 2026
Cu Cu gives Messi a kiss on his chest. Messi and Cucurella have been very poor, to be honest… pic.twitter.com/DWHp4F1WoG
— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) July 20, 2026
I still can’t get past Messi trying to get Cucurella red carded for this. pic.twitter.com/iGFTg2Opnf
– Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) July 20, 2026
Messi tried to hit Cucurella after Enzo Fernandes was given a red card. 🥥
It’s embarrassing 🇦🇷🫢 pic.twitter.com/oMWWDE4S08
– The Touchmine | 𝐓 (@TouchmineX) July 19, 2026
Messi asking VAR to dismiss Cucurella for covering his mouth 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/POyfAZUNbp
– Danis (@DanisMCFC) July 19, 2026
I missed this??
Is it true that Messi reported Cucurella to the “classroom teacher”? pic.twitter.com/8ISJrq9wal
— Black Coffee🧕🏿☕ (@_mamashade) July 19, 2026
Lionel Messi grabbed Marc Cucurella by covering his mouth while talking to him🤯 pic.twitter.com/wgIIl27Sia
– Polycool (@PolycoolApp) July 19, 2026
This is a shame from Lionel Messi, he acted like street footballers who don’t know the rules, Cucurella was just talking to you, not in a “fighting” way and a “humble” boy wanted a red card like a 1st grader. pic.twitter.com/P5HbwJp5UW
– Chikezirim (@oriohac) July 20, 2026
The media and analysts are tearing Messi apart for these shameful things 💀.
Asking the referee to be given a red card because Cucurella is allegedly gagging him is childish behavior. No shots on goal, 120 horrible minutes, and ended his World Cup career begging…
– The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) July 20, 2026
When the final whistle blew, Spain celebrated a famous victory while Argentina were left to reflect on a nervous night. For Messi, now 39, the defeat felt more severe than most matches because it is still unclear whether the soccer star will play another World Cup.
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