Lionel Messi demanded that Marc Cucurella be sent off during the World Cup final for breaking a controversial new rule that prohibits players from covering their mouths while speaking. The incident occurred after Argentina's Enzo Fernandez had already been shown a red card, escalating tensions as the match headed into extra time.
Messi Points Out Infraction
Rather than complaining about a foul, Messi took issue with Cucurella covering his mouth while speaking near him. The exact nature of the conversation remained unclear, but Cucurella's hand obstructed his mouth, which has been a punishable offense at this World Cup. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was the first player to receive a red card for this rule violation earlier in the tournament.
BBC Pundits Criticize Messi
BBC pundits criticized Messi for bringing the incident to the referee's attention. Micah Richards downplayed the situation, saying, "There's not much [in that]. He's not got his full hand over, it was half wasn't it? You don't want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that." Joe Hart added, "Yeah I didn't enjoy that at all from Messi. He realises how on top Spain are in this final Gabby, if even Lionel Messi's reverting to that."
Desperation or Gamesmanship?
Host Gabby Logan described it as "desperation from Messi," while Wayne Rooney insisted, "It is. 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." The incident highlighted the tension in the final, with Spain dominating play and Argentina resorting to tactical complaints.
