- During the World Cup final, Argentina captain Lionel Messi reportedly attempted to have Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off following an interaction between the players.
- Messi approached Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, alleging that Cucurella had communicated with him while covering his mouth, an action that can lead to a red card under Fifa rules.
- The incident occurred shortly after Argentina's Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten players.
- ITV commentator Lee Dixon criticised Messi's actions, labelling him 'a baby' for trying to get an opponent dismissed for such an interaction.
- Spain ultimately secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Argentina in extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal, marking a disappointing end to what was billed as Messi's final World Cup appearance.
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