Enzo Fernandez was sent off for Argentina during stoppage time in their World Cup final clash with Spain, but Lionel Messi also tried to get a Spain star red carded during the clash
Lionel Messi was slammed by Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart for trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off in sly fashion during the World Cup final. A moment of excitement sparked late into Argentina’s clash with Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, following a largely lacklustre 90 minutes, when Enzo Fernandez was given an early exit.
The Chelsea star, who was already on a yellow for dissent earlier in the match, bundled through Pau Curbasi needlessly during stoppage time, sending him feet into the air with a dangling leg and leaving him in a heap on the floor. Referee Slavko Vincic didn’t hesitate as he showed Fernandez a red card for the cynical foul, with immediate protests from the 25-year-old.
However, it was during the furore that Messi attempted to immediately level the playing field by getting Cucurella sent off. Replays showed the Real Madrid full-back somewhat raising his hand to his face as he conversed with the Argentine captain.
While his mouth wasn’t fully covered, a new rule from FIFA in a bid to rub out racism has been implemented for this summer’s tournament, which prevents players from speaking to opponents with their mouths covered.
And while Cucurella may not have said anything sinister as he conversed with the 39-year-old, Messi was quick to flag to officials that Cucurella had covered his mouth.
The forward’s pleas ultimately fell on deaf ears, however, as no action was taken against Cucurella.
And as the two sides headed into extra time, the BBC panel of Rooney, Richards, Hart and Gabby Logan voiced their frustrations with the showing from one of the world’s most respected players.
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Logan said: “And of course there was a moment with Messi and Cucarella where he was trying to potentially get him sent off here. Cucarella has talked behind his hand, or Messi has said he has, and Messi immediately calls an official. Micah, what do you make of that?”
Shocked by the move, Richards replied: “He’s not got his whole hand over, he’s got two fingers. It’s harsh isn’t it? You don’t want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that.”
Hart then gave his two cents as he added: “Yeah, I didn’t enjoy that at all.
“You realise how on top Spain are in this game if even Lionel Messi is reverting to that,” before Logan replied: “Desperation from Messi there?”
Unsurprised by the tactic, Rooney then said: “It is, and Argentina, they play like that.
“We know that’s what they do. The one thing you want is good sportsmanship and that was sad to see Lionel Messi doing that.”
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