The 2026 World Cup final continues to spark debate. While Spain ultimately defeated Argentina, the match was also marked by several tense moments, including a heated exchange between Lionel Messi and Marc Cucurella.
Marc Cucurella has accused Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain reportedly asked the referee to show a red card. According to the Spanish full-back, it all started with the sending-off of Enzo Fernández. In the aftermath, Cucurella is said to have told Messi that La Roja would not let the referee “hand the trophy” to Argentina.
Heated clash between Messi and Cucurella during the final
Messi allegedly demanded his dismissal. The comment did not go down well with the Argentine captain, who, visibly irritated, immediately turned to referee Slavko Vinčić to request a red card for Marc Cucurella, notably accusing the Spanish defender of covering his mouth with his hand while speaking.
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The scene quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of an especially tense final.
After the match, Marc Cucurella attempted to calm things down while still criticizing the Argentine star’s behavior. “He didn’t like what I said and went to speak to the referee, he clearly wanted me sent off. I didn’t expect that from him, especially from someone who is a role model for children… what would they say or learn from that?” The Spanish defender nevertheless insisted it was just a heated exchange, without insults or personal attacks, reminding that such incidents can happen in a World Cup final where the pressure is at its highest.
