Wayne Rooney Gives Brutal Verdict on Lionel Messi’s World Cup Final Moment: “I Didn’t Like It…” After Marc Cucurella Flashpoint

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final continues to generate discussion long after the final whistle, with one of the latest debates centering on Lionel Messi and his on-field interaction involving Spain defender Marc Cucurella.

During the high-intensity showdown between Argentina and Spain, cameras captured Messi appealing to the match officials following an incident involving Cucurella. The Argentine captain appeared eager for disciplinary action against the Spanish defender, a moment that quickly became a talking point among football fans and pundits alike.

Former England captain and football icon Wayne Rooney has now shared his opinion on the incident, offering a candid verdict that has added fuel to the ongoing conversation.

Speaking while analysing the final, Rooney admitted he was not impressed by Messi’s actions, suggesting that attempts to influence referees during a match are not something he appreciates—regardless of the player involved.

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“I didn’t like it,” Rooney reportedly said while discussing the controversial moment, making it clear that football should be decided by the players rather than appeals directed at officials.

The incident occurred during an emotionally charged contest where every decision carried enormous significance. With the World Cup trophy on the line, tensions were naturally high, and players from both sides left everything on the pitch in pursuit of football’s biggest prize.

Although Marc Cucurella avoided a dismissal, the episode quickly spread across social media, dividing supporters. Some believed Messi was simply standing up for his team and reacting instinctively in a pressure-filled final, while others agreed with Rooney that players should avoid trying to influence refereeing decisions.

The debate has also highlighted the intense scrutiny that follows football’s biggest stars. As one of the most celebrated players in the sport’s history, every gesture from Lionel Messi is analysed in detail, especially on the grand stage of a FIFA World Cup Final.

Despite the controversy, the final itself delivered drama from start to finish, with Spain emerging victorious after a fiercely contested encounter. While the result has already entered football history, moments like the exchange involving Messi and Cucurella continue to dominate post-match discussions.

As reactions pour in from former players, coaches and fans across the globe, the debate over sportsmanship, gamesmanship and the role of officials in decisive matches is unlikely to fade anytime soon.