Lionel Messi’s bid to end his international career like a fairy tale ended in bitter disappointment as the Argentina captain dropped a disappointing score of points during the FIFA World Cup 2025 final. Where he failed to take even a single shot on goal.

Argentina’s reign as world champions ended not with a dignified surrender of their crown, but under a cloud of enormous bitterness and international condemnation. are following them 0-1 extra-time defeat to Spain in New York The South American giants faced intense criticism for a number of unsportsmanlike activities, culminating in an ugly pitch brawl after the match in which midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off.

In a tightly contested final, Argentina were already reduced to ten men in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain’s Pau Cuber. However, as the match slipped out of control, the disciplinary collapse deepened, starting with an uncharacteristic flashpoint involving captain Lionel Messi.

During late stoppage time in normal time, television cameras captured Spain defender Marc Cucurella approaching Messi while covering his mouth with his hand. In response, Messi approached Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, and aggressively gestured that Cucurella should be dismissed. FIFA’s new applicable rules Regarding players obscuring their mouths during confrontational exchanges.

The frustration was visible at the time of Messi’s appeal as Argentina were reduced to just 10 players after Enzo Fernandez was sent off.

Many fans and pundits came to Cucurella’s defense and argued that the Spanish star was not using offensive language when he covered his mouth. Instead, he said he was pointing out that his teammate, Pau Cubers, had taken a blow to the face after a heavy challenge.

The referee rejected the appeal, but there was a scathing rebuke from TV pundits and fans alike.

Speaking on ITV, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon described the strategy as “ridiculous”.

He said, “You shouldn’t be so childish as to try to send someone for this.”

Former England captain Wayne Rooney agreed.

“That’s how Argentina plays, we know they do. The one thing you want is good sportsmanship. It was sad to see Lionel Messi do that.”

fraud from argentina

Any remaining vestiges of discipline completely vanished when the referee blew the final whistle to confirm Spain’s second World Cup title, courtesy of an extra-time volley from substitute Ferran Torres.

As the Spanish substitute players and staff arrived on the pitch to celebrate, the area near the technical boxes descended into immediate chaos. A Spanish substitute was reportedly hit in the stomach by defender Nahuel Molina during the initial confusion. Additionally, Paredes, who had spent much of the match playing on the sidelines after being cautioned for pushing Danny Olmo, clashed violently with Eric García. Television replays showed the midfielder placing his hands on García’s neck and pushing him backwards.

The situation worsened when Spain’s Gavi intervened to separate the pair. Paredes stepped forward and wrestled the young midfielder.and hit his substitute in the face before ripping off his training bib.

The ensuing melee required the direct intervention of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who ran onto the pitch to physically restrain his players and pull them away from the confrontation. Once order was restored, the referee issued Paredes a straight red card for his actions.

The defeat marks a bitter conclusion to what was widely expected to be 39-year-old Messi’s final appearance on the World Cup stage. While Spain celebrated a historic tournament victory, the deposed champions’ behavior has left a significant stain on the final match, with FIFA expected to review pitch footage before determining whether additional retroactive sanctions will be issued.

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