Footage has emerged of an Argentina player faking an injury in a bid to prevent teammate Enzo Fernandez from receiving a red card during the World Cup final. The incident occurred in the 93rd minute of the match on Sunday, after Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Referee Slavko Vincic issued the red card after Fernandez's tackle sent Cubarsi airborne. A new angle of the foul shows Nicolas Tagliafico, who had been walking normally, suddenly dropping to the ground and holding his leg seconds after the challenge. Lionel Messi then approached the referee, pointing towards Tagliafico in an apparent effort to influence the decision.
The tactic did not change the referee's decision, and Fernandez was sent off. The dismissal concluded a difficult match for Argentina, who recorded no shots on goal compared to Spain's 15. Spain secured their second World Cup title with a 106th-minute winner from Ferran Torres.
Post-match, tensions flared further as Leandro Paredes initiated a brawl during Spain's celebrations. Paredes was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina punched Rodri in the torso. Thiago Almada was also involved in the altercation.
Commentators on the BBC described the post-match behavior as "embarrassing." Joe Hart called the actions "disgusting," noting Messi as the only player to show "class." Wayne Rooney stated he was "not surprised," attributing the reaction to being outplayed and adding that Fernandez "has got what he deserves."
