In the dying moments of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Lionel Messi appealed for the ejection of Marc Cucurella, claiming the Spanish player covered his mouth while addressing him.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a harsh foul on Pau Cubarsi, resulting in his dismissal.
As referee Slavko Vincic and the Argentine players awaited a potential VAR review of the incident, Messi sought to equalize the player count by calling for Cucurella’s removal.
Messi’s Attempt to Get Cucurella Sent Off in Spain vs. Argentina
The Argentine captain believed that Cucurella had covered his mouth while speaking to him, an action recently deemed punishable with ejection. He urged the referee to send off the left-back, with Enzo joining in, concerned about his own fate on the pitch.
Replays indicated that Cucurella briefly brought his left hand to his mouth, though it remains uncertain if he made any comments at that moment. Most of their interaction occurred later on. As Messi pressed for Cucurella’s dismissal, the Spanish player confronted him.
The VAR official did not intervene, allowing Cucurella to remain on the field, while Enzo Fernandez was forced to leave, leaving Argentina with ten players.
