Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:52am on 20 Jul 2026,Monday India
Lionel Messi has faced criticism after appearing to urge the referee to send off Spain defender Marc Cucurella during Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat in the FIFA World Cup final. Messi was seen appealing for action under FIFA's rule on players covering their mouths while speaking, but the referee rejected the request. Pundits, including Wayne Rooney and Lee Dixon, called the move unsporting. Tensions escalated after the final whistle as players from both teams clashed on the pitch. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card following the confrontation, with FIFA expected to review the incident. (PC: India today)
