Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, July 19, but one controversial moment involving Lionel Messi quickly overshadowed the dramatic finale.
The Argentine captain came under heavy criticism after urging referee Slavko Vinčić to send off Spain defender Marc Cucurella during the closing stages of the match.
The incident prompted many to accuse the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner of attempting to exploit one of FIFA’s newest tournament rules rather than letting the game play out.