In one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 World Cup Final, Lionel Messi urged Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to eject Marc Cucurella for briefly covering his mouth during their conversation. This incident sparked widespread criticism of the Argentine star.
The event unfolded in the 94th minute of the final held this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, shortly after Enzo Fernández was sent off with a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí during stoppage time.
Messi's argument was based on the "Prestianni Law," enacted by IFAB in April 2026, which mandates a direct red card for players who shield their mouths while verbally confronting opponents, aiming to curb concealed racist insults.
Nevertheless, neither the referee nor VAR deemed Cucurella's gesture worthy of a penalty.
Background of the "Prestianni Law"
The rule emerged from a controversial incident involving Argentine Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr. in the Champions League, where the Benfica winger covered his mouth for several seconds with an evident tone of anger.
Cucurella's situation was markedly different: the Real Madrid defender's action was momentary, with no serious confrontational body language.
Enzo Fernández, freshly dismissed, joined Messi in the protest, but VAR conducted a silent review and dismissed the appeal.
Spain Claims Victory as Argentina Struggles
Spain secured their second World Cup title, 16 years after South Africa 2010, with a goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute of extra time, breaking the deadlock of regulation time.
Argentina played the entire extra time with ten men and failed to register a single shot on target, compared to Spain's 12 attempts on goal.
Referee Vinčić was also criticized for sparing Leandro Paredes a second yellow card in the 90+2 minute and disallowing a goal by Nico Williams for a prior foul by Mikel Merino.
Post-Match Tensions and Messi's Farewell
The Argentine team’s conduct extended beyond Messi's incident with Cucurella. During the award ceremony, several players reacted violently against Spanish players: Paredes grabbed Eric García by the neck, and Molina attacked Gavi, causing him to fall. Paredes was handed a post-match red card, recorded in the official report.
The Argentine squad turned their backs on the World Cup presentation to Spain, neither applauding nor watching the ceremony, while the Spanish team formed a champions' corridor.
Messi concluded the tournament heartbroken in what was his final World Cup appearance at age 39, despite scoring eight goals and providing four assists, setting a record as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in his career.
Key Questions About the World Cup Final Incident
What is the "Prestianni Law"?
The "Prestianni Law" is a regulation introduced by IFAB in April 2026, which enforces a direct red card for players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents, aiming to prevent hidden racist insults.
How did Spain win the 2026 World Cup?
Spain won the 2026 World Cup by defeating Argentina with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute of extra time, after a goalless regular time.
What was the reaction of the Argentine team during the award ceremony?
During the award ceremony, the Argentine team turned their backs on the World Cup presentation to Spain and did not applaud or observe the ceremony, while the Spanish team formed a champions' corridor.