Messi labelled a 'baby' after failed bid to have Cucurella sent off in World Cup final
Lionel Messi drew criticism after he sought action over Marc Cucurella’s mouth-covering exchange during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. Spain prevailed thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner, and pundits labelled Messi a 'baby' for his reaction.
The incident occurred in the World Cup final, a match that ultimately ended Argentina’s defence of their title. Messi, in what was described as a bid to have Cucurella dismissed, appealed to officials following the exchange in question. No disciplinary action followed the appeal, but commentators were vocal in their disapproval of how the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner conducted himself. Observers characterised the behaviour as unsportsmanlike while the match result stood to the detriment of Argentina.
Television replays and match coverage focused on the moment in which Marc Cucurella and Messi were involved in a mouth-covering exchange; Messi then attempted to draw the referee’s attention to that contact. The appeal did not produce any cards or sanctions against Cucurella, and the episode became one of the talking points in the immediate aftermath. Media reaction shifted quickly from the on-field contest to debate over sportsmanship and gamesmanship in a World Cup final setting.
Pundits reacted strongly to Messi’s conduct during that sequence, and several used the term 'baby' to describe his behaviour on air. Analysts argued the appeal was an unnecessary distraction amid a tightly contested final, and their coverage amplified the controversy beyond the pitch. That criticism sat alongside broader commentary about the match itself rather than any formal rebuke from match officials.
On the field, Spain secured victory when Ferran Torres produced the decisive extra-time goal to settle the final. The strike ended Argentina’s attempt to retain the World Cup, extinguishing their title defence in the tournament’s closing stages. For Messi, who had intended this tournament to be his last World Cup appearance, the result left his final showing marked by disappointment.
The failed effort to see Cucurella sent off and the subsequent backlash became part of the wider narrative of the final, which ultimately turned on Torres’ extra-time winner. With no punishment issued for the exchange, the episode remains a contentious talking point alongside Spain’s triumph and Argentina’s early exit from the competition.
