Lionel Messi's hopes of bringing his international career to a dream conclusion ended in disappointment as Argentina captain endured a frustrating FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, failing to register a single shot on target during the match.
Argentina's reign as world champions came to an end in controversial fashion, with their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in New York overshadowed by allegations of poor sportsmanship and an ugly post-match altercation that resulted in midfielder Leandro Paredes being sent off.
The highly competitive final had already seen Argentina reduced to ten players deep into second-half stoppage time after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. However, tensions escalated further as the match slipped away, with captain Lionel Messi becoming involved in one of the game's most debated incidents.
During a stoppage late in normal time, television cameras showed Spain defender Marc Cucurella speaking to Messi while covering his mouth with his hand. Messi subsequently approached Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, gesturing that Cucurella should be sent off under FIFA's recently introduced regulations concerning players covering their mouths during confrontations.
Messi's appeal came at a time when Argentina were already playing with ten men following Fernandez's dismissal.
The incident sparked widespread debate, with several fans and television pundits defending Cucurella. They argued that the Spanish defender was not attempting to conceal abusive language but was instead indicating that teammate Pau Cubarsi had been struck in the mouth during an earlier challenge.
The referee rejected Messi's appeal, but the episode attracted criticism from commentators.
Speaking on ITV, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon described the attempt to seek Cucurella's dismissal as "ridiculous."
"You shouldn't be such a baby to try and get someone sent off for that," Dixon said.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney also criticised the incident.
"Argentina play like that, we know that's what they do. The one thing you want is good sportsmanship. That was sad to see, Lionel Messi doing that," Rooney said.
Tempers flare after the final whistle
Any remaining discipline disappeared after the referee blew the final whistle to confirm Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, secured by substitute Ferran Torres' extra-time winner.
As Spain's substitutes and coaching staff rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, the area around the technical zones descended into chaos.
Defender Nahuel Molina was reported to have struck a Spanish substitute in the stomach during the initial confrontation. At the same time, Leandro Paredes, who had already been booked earlier in the match for pushing Dani Olmo, became involved in a heated altercation with Eric Garcia. Television replays appeared to show Paredes grabbing Garcia by the neck before shoving him.
When Spain midfielder Gavi intervened in an attempt to separate the players, the confrontation intensified further. Paredes allegedly grappled with Gavi, struck him in the face and pulled at his substitute's training bib.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni eventually entered the pitch and physically intervened to separate his players and restore order. Once calm had returned, referee Slavko Vincic issued Paredes a straight red card for his involvement in the incident.
The defeat is widely expected to mark the final World Cup appearance of the 39-year-old Messi. While Spain celebrated a historic triumph, Argentina's conduct following the match drew widespread criticism, with FIFA expected to review footage of the incidents before deciding whether further disciplinary action is warranted.
