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'Sad to See' - Rooney Slams Messi for Trying to Get Spanish Player Sent Off
Rooney criticized Messi for signaling to referees about Cucurella's mouth-covering gesture, which VAR reviewed but did not result in a red card under FIFA's new rules.
- Sunday's FIFA World Cup 2026 final at New York/New Jersey Stadium saw Argentina face Spain, where Marc Cucurella covered his mouth while speaking to Lionel Messi during a late-match melee, prompting Messi to signal the referee.
- FIFA rules mandate a red card for players covering their mouths during confrontations, a policy introduced after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni concealed verbal insults directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match.
- Earlier in the tournament, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie received red cards for similar offenses, but officials deemed Cucurella's actions non-confrontational since no malicious words were exchanged.
- Wayne Rooney termed Messi's attempt 'desperation,' while Micah Richards added, 'We don't want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that.'
- Critics highlighted broader sportsmanship concerns, noting 'Argentina play like that, we know that's what they do,' and that it was 'sad to see Lionel Messi doing that.
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Lionel Messi's Attempt To Get Spain Star Sent Off During FIFA World Cup Final Gets Brutal Verdict By Wayne Rooney
Argentina football team superstar Lionel Messi's attempt to get Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final did not go down well with former footballers.
·New Delhi, India
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Wayne Rooney hits out with comment against Lionel Messi for ‘sad’ attempt to send Cucurella off in FIFA World Cup final
Former England striker Wayne Rooney bemoaned Argentina captain Lionel Messi trying to get Spain defender Marc Cucurella get sent off in the Albiceleste's 1-0 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss in extra ti
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has spoken out harshly against the Argentine star.
·Budapest, Hungary
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A bitter finale that of Messi at the World Cup. Climbed in an unediting episode, which attracted international criticism. It was shameful, it has...
·Rome, Italy
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left1Leaning Right7Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 43%
R 50%
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