VAR Questioned: Messi Demands Red Card for Cucurella's Mouth-Covering Gesture in World Cup Final

During the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Lionel Messi urged the referee to issue a red card to Spanish defender Marc Cucurella. Messi alleged that Cucurella covered his mouth while speaking to him, a gesture that is subject to expulsion under the tournament's rules.

The incident occurred shortly after Enzo Fernandez received a red card, as Argentinian players were protesting the decision to referee Slavko Vincic. Cucurella briefly covered his mouth with his hand while in conversation with Messi, prompting the Argentinian captain to signal the alleged infraction. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not review the play, and the referee did not take action against Cucurella.

FIFA had introduced the "Prestianni Law" for the 2026 World Cup, which penalizes players who cover their mouths while communicating. Two players, Miguel Almirón of Paraguay and Piero Hincapié of Ecuador, had already been sent off for this offense during the tournament.