Lionel Messi slammed for desperate attempt to get Spain star sent off in World Cup final

Lionel Messi came under fire from former England stars Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart after he allegedly tried to get Spain’s Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final. The incident occurred in the dying moments of normal time as Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí, leading to a heated confrontation between players from both teams. During the ensuing commotion, Messi reportedly confronted Cucurella, claiming the Spanish defender had covered his mouth in a gesture that could result in a red card under FIFA’s current rules. However, neither the referee nor the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) took any action against Cucurella. The World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw a dramatic turn as Argentina found themselves a man down after Fernandez’s dismissal. The incident unfolded during a tense moment when both teams were emotionally charged, with fans and commentators alike reacting strongly to the perceived unsportsmanlike conduct. According to reports, Messi pointed toward the officials after spotting Cucurella with his hand over his mouth, a move that was interpreted as an attempt to provoke disciplinary action. While the exact nature of Cucurella’s actions remains unclear, the gesture appeared to contradict FIFA’s guidelines aimed at preventing racist behavior by prohibiting players from speaking to opponents with their mouths covered. FIFA introduced these rules ahead of the tournament as part of its broader efforts to combat discrimination and ensure fair play. Similar incidents had previously occurred, such as when Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth during a group-stage match, and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie faced the same fate in the knockout rounds. These precedents set the stage for the controversy surrounding Cucurella’s alleged actions. Despite Messi’s intervention, the officials did not take any action, leaving the situation unresolved and sparking outrage among some analysts and former players. Former England midfielder Wayne Rooney, along with ex-goalkeeper Joe Hart and football pundit Micah Richards, expressed frustration over Messi’s behavior. Rooney called the incident “desperation,” suggesting that Argentina’s tactics often include provocative challenges designed to unsettle opponents. Hart echoed similar sentiments, stating that even the presence of a legendary figure like Messi attempting to exploit such rules highlighted the pressure on Spain to maintain composure. Richards, meanwhile, emphasized the unfairness of seeing a World Cup final marred by such gestures, noting that the outcome should not hinge on minor infractions. The fallout from the incident extended beyond the pitch, drawing attention to the broader implications of FIFA’s rules and the role of high-profile figures in shaping the tone of international competition. While some critics argued that Messi’s actions were an overreaction, others viewed them as a reflection of the intense emotions and strategic mindsets that define elite football. The debate underscored the fine line between competitive spirit and unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly in a setting where the stakes are as high as the World Cup. As the match progressed into extra time with Argentina reduced to ten men, the focus shifted to the tactical adjustments needed to overcome the numerical disadvantage. The controversy surrounding Cucurella and Messi, however, remained a point of discussion among fans and media, highlighting the complex interplay of emotion, strategy, and regulation in modern football. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by referees and officials in maintaining order amid the heightened intensity of major tournaments.