World Cup Final: Messi faces backlash for trying to get Cucurella sent off

Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has found himself at the center of controversy following his actions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where he appeared to attempt to get Marc Cucurella sent off.

In the course of the feisty final, referee Slavko Vinčić stamped his authority by showing Enzo Fernández a red card for two reckless challenges, the last one on Pau Cubarsí.

Chelsea defender Cucurella protested the decision and called for a review, but to no avail. As the incident unfolded, Cucurella approached Messi to make a comment and briefly covered his mouth while speaking.

Spain crowned 2026 World Cup champions after beating Argentina

Messi quickly raised his hand and reported to the referee that the Real Madrid defender had covered his mouth to speak to him, insisting that under the new rules Cucurella also deserved to be sent off. However, the officials did not give the complaint serious attention.

Argentina went on to lose 1-0 to Spain after Ferran Torres scored in extra time, and many fans expressed displeasure with Messi’s conduct.

Some social media users criticised the legend’s desperate attempt to get Cucurella dismissed, calling the accusations untrue.

While acknowledging Messi’s legendary status, some fans were disappointed with the Argentine great, condemning his unsportsmanlike behavior in trying to secure the title.

Watch the video below:

Messi really tried to get Cucurella sent off for talking to him. 🤣🤣🤣

1️⃣ It's sad to see the greatest player of all time resort to such disgusting tactics.

2️⃣ It's a sign of just how desperate Argentina are right now. pic.twitter.com/xthWa74MGG

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) July 19, 2026

Messi has made himself look an utter twat here. Putting his hand up like the classroom grass.

— El Duderino (@jesushlebowski) July 20, 2026

He’s never been the greatest, not even close... the world has finally discovered how miserable he is!

— Mara (@Marian8ml) July 20, 2026

Just shows how pathetic Messi was in that game. Had to resort to begging the ref for red cards 😂😂

— DC (@dploooo) July 19, 2026

Messi has always been a begging cheat, only now the world sees

— Sam (@Greyhound_Zoom) July 19, 2026

What do Messi fans have to say about this? Messi urged the referee to send Cucurella off after a brief exchange of words. Desperate and disgusting. Yet many fans will likely defend this behavior no matter what. pic.twitter.com/3To83HrllE

— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) July 21, 2026

Messi snitched right here

A moment involving Lionel Messi and Marc Cucurella after the red card to Enzo.#lionelmessi #spain #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/SaKos0HUjB

— SHE Media (@talktoSHE) July 20, 2026

This is funny cos along with Messi it was Cucurella’s ex teammate Enzo Fernandez that was tryna get him sent off 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/42oB0CFreY

— Arsenal Editz (@ArsenalRunzFut) July 21, 2026

😂😂😂

By the way, Enzo was looking at Cucurella and didn’t say anything until he saw Messi trying to report him😭 https://t.co/AM6RaVeLVx

— Ifeoluwa👺 (@Bam_Wiz_zY) July 21, 2026

What kills me about this is Cucurella's reaction 😂😂😂😂 any other player on earth he's letting him go and cry to the ref. But he knew that Messi's power is different https://t.co/jVdEDkldtS

— Lippy (@LickshotLippy) July 19, 2026

Messi tried by all means to get cucurella out of the field🤣🤣🤣🙌 pic.twitter.com/XsqBVDlXx0

— Thecriminologist🇿🇦 (@DRACULA199806) July 19, 2026

Messi timidly tried getting Cucurella sent off for stupidly covering his mouth

Cucurella should thank his star Messi is not Vinicius or Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/dXOnWRbi2W

— Red Cartel Era (@RedCartelHQ) July 19, 2026

streets will never forget what messi tried to do to him in the final😭

L messi

W cucurella https://t.co/h3AJcZN31C

— rehan jaswal (@rehanjaswal) July 21, 2026

I don’t really like Cucarella BUT he touched his mouth for a second, he definitely wasn’t using his hand to talk behind. Cheating Messi was just trying to balance the teams both to 10 men, and snake Fernandez was ready to sell out his longterm teammate. The right team won.

— Olivia Hempstead (@oliviaRowley17) July 21, 2026