Ex-FIFA ref rips into 'unsportsmanlike' Lionel Messi in 'unacceptable' World Cup final incident

Lionel Messi should be deeply disappointed in himself after trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off in the 2026 World Cup final.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the superstar attempted to take advantage of Slavko Vincic.

Lionel Scaloni's side were instantly handed a setback when Enzo Fernandez was given his marching orders in added time of normal time on Sunday, 19 July.

In an attempt to even up the scores, Messi tried throwing Real Madrid's new signing under the bus when Cucurella slightly covered his mouth during a conversation.

Miguel Almiron, formerly of Newcastle United, was the first to succumb to FIFA's new rule earlier in the tournament, but Spain avoided the same fate in their 1-0 win at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Instead of lashing out at the decision not to send Cucurella off, Messi has caught the brunt of the criticism instead, being slammed for his overall performance in the final.

Lionel Messi caught in 'unacceptable' scenes vs Spain

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett condemned Messi's actions as "unsportsmanlike," sharing a disappointment at the footballing legend.

"First of all, FIFA did say that if anyone used any potential racial abuse, the player who was receiving that abuse all he had to do was raise his arms and cross them above his head," he said.

"At that point, the referee would be made aware. I think Messi was fully aware that the referee was dealing with a problem. I just feel it's unsportsmanlike.

"I just get the feeling in this final that he should be questioning his own game and not living on his reputation.

"I think we are all hoping to some degree that Messi would show the skill sets that he's shown, even shown against England.

"But on this occasion, I don't think he contributed much to this particular Argentinian performance and this was unacceptable."

What did the stats say about Messi's performance?

A lot has been made about Messi's performances at the World Cup, especially when it came to how much he walked instead of ran.

It rarely mattered because he continued to come up with game-defining moments, like the two he had against England in the closing stages.

However, the 39-year-old failed to create a single chance against Spain, and only registered one blocked shot, as Argentina failed to record a shot on target [FotMob].

He completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, was dispossessed twice, won 73 per cent of his ground duels, only completed 20 per cent of his crosses, and was fouled four times.

It was a very mixed performance from the eight-time Ballon d'Or, and ultimately, it was disappointment in what could be his final World Cup.