{"id":11853,"date":"2026-07-20T20:17:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:17:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=11853"},"modified":"2026-07-20T20:17:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:17:45","slug":"my-idol-making-a-fool-of-himself-fans-turn-on-lionel-messi-over-shameful-move-during-world-cup-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=11853","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself&#8221;: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over &#8220;Shameful&#8221; Move During World Cup Final"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, July 19, but one <strong>controversial moment<\/strong> involving <strong>Lionel Messi<\/strong> quickly overshadowed the dramatic finale.<\/p>\n<p>The Argentine captain came under heavy <strong>criticism<\/strong> after urging referee Slavko Vin\u010di\u0107 to send off Spain defender <strong>Marc Cucurella<\/strong> during the closing stages of the match.<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-highlights\"><span class=\"h2\">Highlights<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"bullet-wrapper\"><i class=\"bullet\"\/><\/span><span>Lionel Messi&#8217;s attempt to exploit a new FIFA rule during the World Cup final sparked fierce backlash online.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"bullet-wrapper\"><i class=\"bullet\"\/><\/span><span>Fans and football legends alike accused the Argentina captain of poor sportsmanship after the controversial moment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"bullet-wrapper\"><i class=\"bullet\"\/><\/span><span>Spain ultimately lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy after officials rejected Messi&#8217;s appeal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The incident prompted many to accuse the eight-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner of attempting to exploit one of FIFA\u2019s newest tournament rules rather than letting the game play out.<\/p>\n<p>One disappointed viewer wrote, \u201cMy idol <strong>making a fool of himself<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Argentina captain Lionel Messi sought to have Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final<\/h3>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"GettyImages-2286209242-6a5e26e79e044__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=GettyImages-2286209242-6a5e26e79e044__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=GettyImages-2286209242-6a5e26e79e044__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286209242-6a5e26e79e044__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286209242-6a5e26e79e044__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"518\" alt=\"Lionel Messi in an intense World Cup Final match, surrounded by two opposing players.\" title=\"Lionel Messi in an intense World Cup Final match, surrounded by two opposing players.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/spains-pedri-argentinas-lionel-messi-and-spains-marc-news-photo\/2286209242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Martin Rickett\/PA Images via Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The incident unfolded moments after Argentina\u2019s hopes suffered a major setback when Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time.<\/p>\n<p>As tensions rose, Spain defender Marc Cucurella briefly approached Messi while discussing the previous challenge.<\/p>\n<p>During the exchange, Cucurella momentarily covered his mouth with his hand while speaking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"HNnsB1HW0AATfiE-6a5e26f612c02__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=HNnsB1HW0AATfiE-6a5e26f612c02__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=HNnsB1HW0AATfiE-6a5e26f612c02__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/HNnsB1HW0AATfiE-6a5e26f612c02__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/HNnsB1HW0AATfiE-6a5e26f612c02__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"875\" alt=\"Lionel Messi facing an opponent during the World Cup Final, with a scoreboard in the background.\" title=\"Lionel Messi facing an opponent during the World Cup Final, with a scoreboard in the background.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESPNFC\/status\/2078952230787383353\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ESPNFC<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-6a5e2b9a64ff6__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-6a5e2b9a64ff6__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-6a5e2b9a64ff6__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-6a5e2b9a64ff6__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-6a5e2b9a64ff6__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"224\" alt=\"A fan's tweet about their idol making a fool of himself during the World Cup Final.\" title=\"A fan's tweet about their idol making a fool of himself during the World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/chochomares\/status\/2078977770256736519?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">chochomares<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Messi immediately appealed to Slovenian referee Slavko Vin\u010di\u0107, gesturing that the defender had violated one of the tournament\u2019s newly introduced regulations.<\/p>\n<p>The referee was informed of the incident, while VAR also reviewed the footage.<\/p>\n<p>The appeal centered around a new FIFA rule introduced for the 2026 World Cup that allows players to receive a red card if they deliberately cover their mouths during a confrontational exchange to conceal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/trans-florida-student-melts-down-cop-misgendering-arrest-bodycam-video\/\" class=\" staff-link\">discriminatory remarks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Disappointed fans slammed Messi\u2019s appeal as \u201cdesperation\u201d and poor sportsmanship<\/h3>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"GettyImages-2286808645-6a5e2702b0a64__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=GettyImages-2286808645-6a5e2702b0a64__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=GettyImages-2286808645-6a5e2702b0a64__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286808645-6a5e2702b0a64__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286808645-6a5e2702b0a64__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"604\" alt=\"Lionel Messi sitting on the field, covering his face in disappointment during the World Cup Final.\" title=\"Lionel Messi sitting on the field, covering his face in disappointment during the World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/lionel-messi-of-argentina-reacts-after-the-0-1-loss-during-news-photo\/2286808645\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Hector Vivas \u2013 FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"post-desktop-ad-within-content post-ads margin-left\"><span class=\"dfp-ad\"><span><span class=\"pg-ad-label\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2078973739979690076-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2078973739979690076-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2078973739979690076-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078973739979690076-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078973739979690076-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"256\" alt=\"A fan's tweet about Lionel Messi's play during the World Cup Final.\" title=\"A fan's tweet about Lionel Messi's play during the World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/dapppunk\/status\/2078973739979690076?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">dapppunk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The measure was implemented following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/charlize-theron-anne-hathaway-comparison-provokes-discussion-beauty-standards\/\" class=\" staff-link\">recent concerns<\/a> over players hiding offensive language from television cameras and lip readers.<\/p>\n<p>However, after reviewing the footage, officials determined that Cucurella\u2019s actions did not meet the threshold required for a dismissal.<\/p>\n<p>Officials reportedly concluded that the interaction was not sufficiently confrontational and that the Spanish defender was likely referring to teammate Pau Cubars\u00ed having taken a blow to the mouth moments earlier.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"700\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"es\">Cucurella se rasca y Messi pide que lo expulsen por taparse la boca\u2026<br \/>Jajajaja es un chiste con patas negras. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/YSiDmQxykX\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/YSiDmQxykX<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf2 T-yes \ud83d\udc3a (@t_yes) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/t_yes\/status\/2078963496960630887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Messi\u2019s unsuccessful appeal quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the final, with several high-profile football figures openly criticizing the Argentine captain\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n<p>Commentating on <em>ITV<\/em>, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon described the incident as \u201cridiculous\u201d before branding Messi \u201ca baby\u201d for attempting to have an opponent dismissed over the brief exchange.<\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2078957205546783066-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2078957205546783066-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2078957205546783066-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078957205546783066-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078957205546783066-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"929\" alt=\"Lionel Messi in a pink dress and crown, labeled FIFA Princess, sparking fan reaction to his move during World Cup Final.\" title=\"Lionel Messi in a pink dress and crown, labeled FIFA Princess, sparking fan reaction to his move during World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/USA250PW\/status\/2078957205546783066?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">USA250PW<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dixon said, \u201cThe game is gone if you\u2019re getting bookings and red cards for that, to get somebody sent off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"post-desktop-ad-within-content post-ads margin-left\"><span class=\"dfp-ad\"><span><span class=\"pg-ad-label\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be such a baby to try and get someone sent off for that, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/karen-forces-man-into-leaving-public-space\/\" class=\" staff-link\">it\u2019s ridiculous<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Former England captain Wayne Rooney also questioned Messi\u2019s actions during <em>BBC<\/em> coverage, calling the appeal \u201cdesperation.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>The controversy centered on a new World Cup rule that can result in a straight red card<\/h3>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079089422210056217-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079089422210056217-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079089422210056217-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079089422210056217-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079089422210056217-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"898\" alt=\"Cartoon of Lionel Messi recoiling from a player making a kissing gesture, illustrating fan opinions on Messi's move.\" title=\"Cartoon of Lionel Messi recoiling from a player making a kissing gesture, illustrating fan opinions on Messi's move.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PitiDuong\/status\/2079089422210056217?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">PitiDuong<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s sad to see Lionel Messi doing that,\u201d Rooney said, adding that players should be setting an example of good sportsmanship.<\/p>\n<p>The controversy quickly sparked a heated debate among fans, with many criticizing Messi for attempting to use the newly introduced regulation to Argentina\u2019s advantage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeriously, what an absolute rat move by Messi,\u201d one netizen fumed.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"700\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Enzo Fernandez gets a red card at 92 minuted has been sent off against Spain!<br \/>Enzo Fernandez Foul and Red Card<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ESPARG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">#ESPARG<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/WorldCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">#WorldCupFinal<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AknNT7EGKh\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/AknNT7EGKh<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Sportsbook (@nfsmayank) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nfsmayank\/status\/2078969479376351685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079047150449868950-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079047150449868950-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079047150449868950-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079047150449868950-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079047150449868950-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"256\" alt=\"Tweet by Kram Stone criticizing Lionel Messi's 'rat move' during World Cup Final, reflecting fan backlash.\" title=\"Tweet by Kram Stone criticizing Lionel Messi's 'rat move' during World Cup Final, reflecting fan backlash.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/cyningofcent\/status\/2079047150449868950?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">cyningofcent<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Another commented, \u201cThat was classless from Messi\u2026 You just wanted things to be in your favor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A third fan added, \u201cMessi tried every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/dad-posted-child-support-check-thirteen-dollars\/\" class=\" staff-link\">trick in the cheat book<\/a> to win and still failed. Pack your dragonball bag and go back home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"post-desktop-ad-within-content post-ads margin-left\"><span class=\"dfp-ad\"><span><span class=\"pg-ad-label\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Others argued that there was little justification for the appeal.<\/p>\n<h3>Messi\u2019s appeal for a red card backfired as Spain went on to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy<\/h3>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"GettyImages-2286809774-6a5e273e08074__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=GettyImages-2286809774-6a5e273e08074__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=GettyImages-2286809774-6a5e273e08074__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286809774-6a5e273e08074__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2286809774-6a5e273e08074__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"526\" alt=\"Spanish players celebrating their World Cup Final victory, holding the trophy, contrasting with Messi's controversial move.\" title=\"Spanish players celebrating their World Cup Final victory, holding the trophy, contrasting with Messi's controversial move.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/rodri-of-spain-lifts-the-fifa-world-cup-winners-trophy-news-photo\/2286809774\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carl Recine\/Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cAbsolutely nothing in it, and I am not a fan of Cucurella, but this was so pathetic from Messi who was basically a spectator in the game,\u201d one viewer wrote.<\/p>\n<p>Others joked, \u201cCucurella scratches himself and Messi demands he be sent off for covering his mouth\u2026 Hahahaha, it\u2019s a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.fifa.com\/organisation\/media-releases\/the-ifab-red-card-players-covering-mouths-to-conceal-discriminatory-behaviour\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" staff-link\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">rule<\/a> was invented so that people wouldn\u2019t disrespect each other and all that, but these folks just use it to take advantage, surely Cucurella didn\u2019t even say anything bad to him,\u201d another commenter remarked.<\/p>\n<p class=\"video-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The winners are those &amp;apos;that played football&amp;apos;: Spanish fans celebrate World Cup win \u2022 FRANCE 24\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Hu0VBLhWK74?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Although the controversy dominated the post-match discussion, Spain ultimately celebrated a historic 1-0 victory after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing the country\u2019s second FIFA World Cup title.<\/p>\n<p>It marked Spain\u2019s first men\u2019s World Cup triumph since 2010, when Andr\u00e9s Iniesta\u2019s extra-time strike secured a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the final.<\/p>\n<h3>\u201cPathetic, so pathetic all that talent is totally ruined by these pathetic moves and behavior just to win\u2026\u201d one critic wrote<\/h3>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079179900427321447-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079179900427321447-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079179900427321447-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079179900427321447-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079179900427321447-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Tweet by Elina Sharp calling Lionel Messi a 'fraud', showing fan turning on Messi after his move during World Cup Final.\" title=\"Tweet by Elina Sharp calling Lionel Messi a 'fraud', showing fan turning on Messi after his move during World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Elina_Sharp76\/status\/2079179900427321447?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Elina_Sharp76<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"post-desktop-ad-within-content post-ads margin-left\"><span class=\"dfp-ad\"><span><span class=\"pg-ad-label\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079057454252621923-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079057454252621923-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079057454252621923-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079057454252621923-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079057454252621923-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"318\" alt=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, calling it a disgusting act.\" title=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, calling it a disgusting act.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/shogolomo\/status\/2079057454252621923?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">shogolomo<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2078966126533304439-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2078966126533304439-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2078966126533304439-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078966126533304439-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2078966126533304439-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, saying it exposed him.\" title=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, saying it exposed him.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Felixity19\/status\/2078966126533304439?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Felixity19<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079054621427790307-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079054621427790307-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079054621427790307-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079054621427790307-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079054621427790307-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, criticizing his behavior.\" title=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, criticizing his behavior.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Bodhizattva68\/status\/2079054621427790307?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bodhizattva68<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079094465588015549-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079094465588015549-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079094465588015549-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079094465588015549-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079094465588015549-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, noting a tough look.\" title=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, noting a tough look.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GVGC1970\/status\/2079094465588015549?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">GVGC1970<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"post-desktop-ad-within-content post-ads margin-left\"><span class=\"dfp-ad\"><span><span class=\"pg-ad-label\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079096652917342665-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079096652917342665-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079096652917342665-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079096652917342665-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079096652917342665-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"348\" alt=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, calling his behavior pathetic.\" title=\"Fans turn on Lionel Messi for a shameful move during the World Cup Final, calling his behavior pathetic.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/peaceforall55\/status\/2079096652917342665?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">peaceforall55<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079193241769980232-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079193241769980232-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079193241769980232-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079193241769980232-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079193241769980232-png__700.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Tweet by Nathan McLean calling Lionel Messi a little cry-baby for a perceived shameful move during the World Cup Final.\" title=\"Tweet by Nathan McLean calling Lionel Messi a little cry-baby for a perceived shameful move during the World Cup Final.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-content-media-source\">Image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nmclean77\/status\/2079193241769980232?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">nmclean77<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"attachment-link-container shareable-image-block\" id=\"2079161636670320782-png__700\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?image_id=2079161636670320782-png__700.jpg\"><a class=\"web-share-button list-item-share new-share-experiment\" data-location=\"single-post-image\" data-title=\"My Idol Making A Fool Of Himself: Fans Turn On Lionel Messi Over Shameful Move During World Cup Final\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/messi-shameful-move-cucurella-spain-argentina-world-cup-final\/?media_id=2079161636670320782-png__700\" data-image=\"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2079161636670320782-png__700.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><svg class=\"svg-icon icon-share-icon\" role=\"img\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\"><path d=\"M0 15C0 10.8824 5.22292 10.0588 8.79817 10.0588V14.1765L15.7006 8.23061C15.7941 8.15345 15.8695 8.05559 15.9213 7.94441C15.9731 7.83323 16 7.71155 16 7.58824C16 7.46492 15.9731 7.34314 15.9213 7.23196C15.8695 7.12078 15.7941 7.02302 15.7006 6.94586L8.79817 1V5.11765C2.3995 5.11765 0 9.76235 0 15Z\"\/><\/svg><\/i><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" 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The Argentine captain came under heavy criticism after urging referee Slavko Vin\u010di\u0107 to send off Spain defender Marc Cucurella during the closing stages of the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/static.boredpanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fb_image_6a5e29c36485e.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsweek-trending"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11853"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11853\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}