Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time during a tense World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, but it was Lionel Messi's attempt to get a Spanish player dismissed that drew the sharpest criticism.
The Chelsea midfielder, already on a yellow card for dissent, bundled through Pau Cubarsi with a late challenge, prompting Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to show a second yellow and then a red. The dismissal made Fernandez the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final.
“Enzo Fernandez sent off; Messi criticised for trying to get Cucurella dismissed in World Cup final.”
As the Argentine players protested, Messi approached Marc Cucurella and then immediately flagged to officials that the Real Madrid full-back had covered his mouth while speaking — a breach of FIFA's new anti-racism rule. Replays showed Cucurella had only raised two fingers, not his whole hand, and no action was taken.
On BBC's coverage, Gabby Logan called it "a moment with Messi and Cucurella where he was trying to potentially get him sent off". Micah Richards said: "He's not got his whole hand over, he's got two fingers. It's harsh. You don't want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that."
Joe Hart added: "I didn't enjoy that at all. You realise how on top Spain are if even Lionel Messi is reverting to that." Wayne Rooney, unsurprised, said: "Argentina play like that. The one thing you want is good sportsmanship and that was sad to see."
Earlier, Robbie Williams performed the official FIFA anthem alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini during the closing ceremony. Tom Cruise gave a passionate speech, and celebrities including Jay-Z, Beyonce, Dua Lipa, and Will Ferrell were in the crowd. President Donald Trump attended with First Lady Melania Trump and was expected to present the trophy.
The match kicked off at the scheduled time despite severe thunderstorms and flash floods that had swept through New York and New Jersey. Wildfire smoke also hung over the city, but air quality had slightly improved.
The game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, with Argentina down to 10 men. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez made 10 saves while Argentina had zero shots. In extra time, a Spain goal was controversially ruled out, leaving the final unresolved as the teams battled on.