Lionel Messi has been branded a ‘baby’ after trying to have Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final.
Argentina went a man down in the second half as Enzo Fernandez was dismissed, shown a second yellow card for clattering Pau Cubarsi, and Messi was quick to attempt to level the playing field.
Cucurella approached Messi to discuss the incident as players remonstrated with referee Slavko Vincic, when the Real Madrid full-back appeared to momentarily cover his mouth.
Under new FIFA guidelines for this tournament, covering one’s mouth can be a red-card offence. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to fall foul of the new rules, earning his marching orders in the group stage.
Upon seeing Cucurella put his hand to his mouth, Messi immediately flagged the incident to Vincic, who appeared broadly unsympathetic.
And ITV commentator Lee Dixon took a dim view of what he described as a ‘ridiculous’ situation.
“The game has gone if you're getting bookings and red cards for that, to get somebody sent off,” he said. “‘You shouldn’t be such a baby to try and get someone sent off for that, it’s ridiculous.”
Lionel Messi called for Marc Cucurella to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to him. pic.twitter.com/TldqP8BD6g
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 19, 2026
Supporters were also quick to satirise Messi’s antics, with one writing on X: “Like a child running to tell teacher. Pathetic behaviour from the so-called superstar.”
Another branded it the “most pathetic moment” of the final. There was considerable competition for that honour, as Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle for an incident in which he appeared to throw Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground.
Messi’s attempt to have Cucurella ejected was, of course, fruitless, and Spain went on to win the final 1-0 after Ferran Torres’ late winner.
