Lionel Messi has been labelled a 'baby' after attempting to have Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final. The Argentina captain flagged to referee Slavko Vincic that Cucurella had covered his mouth, an action that FIFA had made a red-card offence under new tournament guidelines.
Messi's plea falls on deaf ears
The incident occurred in the second half after Argentina's Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi, reducing the South Americans to ten men. As players surrounded Vincic to protest, Cucurella briefly put his hand to his mouth while speaking to Messi. Spotting this, Messi immediately drew the referee's attention to the gesture, but Vincic appeared unswayed.
ITV commentator Lee Dixon criticised Messi's actions during the broadcast. 'The game has gone if you're getting bookings and red cards for that, to get somebody sent off,' Dixon said. 'You shouldn't be such a baby to try and get someone sent off for that, it's ridiculous.'
Fans and pundits react
Social media users were quick to mock Messi. One wrote on X: 'Like a child running to tell teacher. Pathetic behaviour from the so-called superstar.' Another called it the 'most pathetic moment' of the final. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron had earlier become the first player sent off under the new mouth-covering rule during the group stage.
Messi's attempt proved fruitless, and Spain went on to win the final 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ferran Torres. Argentina also had Leandro Paredes sent off after the final whistle for appearing to throw Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground.
