Lionel Messi has been criticised for an “embarrassing” moment during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Spain eventually won 1-0 in extra time after dominating the entire game, especially after Enzo Fernandez’s late red card.
Although it was an underwhelming match due to Argentina’s defensive setup, there were several controversial incidents.
Among those was Lionel Messi’s attempt to get Spain full-back Marc Cucurella sent off for covering his mouth.
FIFA introduced a new rule for this World Cup under which players would be sent off for covering their mouths during confrontations.
The VAR decided against showing Cucurella a red card because he was not confrontational, sparking online criticism of Messi.
Social media reacts to Lionel Messi’s controversial World Cup final moment
Football fans were not impressed with Lionel Messi’s unsportsmanlike behaviour during the World Cup final.
After Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card, Messi tried to level the playing field by informing the VAR of Cucurella’s gesture.
“Messi might be the best ever, but he’s also now the guy who asked for an opponent to be sent off for covering his mouth in a World Cup final,” a fan summarised the incident.
Meanwhile, many others slammed Messi for appealing for the red card when Cucurella had done nothing wrong.
“I think it’s the most unsportsmanlike action I’ve ever seen in my life on a field,” one said.
Another posted: “Messi is so shameless, the reason I will never rate him because what was that? Asking for a red card for this?
“One of the biggest acts of cowardice I’ve ever seen a player commit in a World Cup. Even more so being a final… What a low character move,” an angry viewer wrote.
Popular betting expert Andy Robson also commented: “Embarrassing this from Messi.”
Unfortunately, Messi’s last World Cup appearance will be remembered for failing to score or assist and trying to get another player sent off.
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