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Argentina's shameful behaviour should not let the World Cup's biggest offenders off the hook

Lionel Messi and his beaten Argentina team-mates deserved all the flak that came their way following the World Cup final but that should not give Gianni Infantino and FIFA a reprieve

[FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Lionel Messi of Argentina and U.S. President Donald Trump after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States]

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Lionel Messi has come under fire for his behaviour in the World Cup final(Image: Getty Images)

According to a polling company that might have better things to do, Lionel Messis popularity amongst British people has gone down since he tried to get the saintly Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final. It is unclear whether this news is keeping Messi awake at night but you suspect not.

Messis lamentable attempt to land Cucurella in trouble was part of a tapestry of unedifying Argentinian antics and was unbecoming of a great player. But it was hardly the crime of the century.

Since when did we become so puritanical? Would Cucurella have done it if the situation of the game had been reversed? Of course he would.

You might hold Messi to a higher moral standard but players trying to get opponents into bother is a staple of the modern game. It did not help Messis cause that he was the captain of a squad that turned its back on Spains coronation after it had also descended into violent disarray at the final whistle.

The offending individuals will deserve whatever punishment comes their way and deserved all the criticism that has already come their way. But lets not pretend we were shocked by the Argentinian reaction to the loss to Spain.

And lets not allow their behaviour to deflect criticism and scrutiny from where it most needs to be directed most. It needs to be directed most at Gianni Infantino and FIFA.

[Bryson DeChambeau of the United States is driven by a rules offical on a buggy following day two of the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale]

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Bryson DeChambeau threatened to get Donald Trump involved in his rules row at The Open(Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)

When it comes to petulant reactions, there was a belter at Royal Birkdale last Friday after Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for what was a debatable rules infringement. It was a slightly controversial decision but one DeChambeau should have taken on the chin.

Instead, he ranted and raved at officials and, apparently, threatened to call Donald Trump and get him involved. As it happened, the President of the United States never stepped in but you know where the idea came from.

Thankfully, at least one football association is taking a stance. The Norwegians, headed by its federation president Lise Klaveness, are set to make an official complaint to FIFAs ethics committee over Trumps involvement in the Folarin Balogun case, which saw the American striker have his red card ban suspended.

[Lionel Messi points as he tries to get Marc Cucurella sent off]

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Messi has been accused of trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off(Image: AFP or licensors)

Hopefully, more will follow suit. And hopefully, more will tell the relevant committee that the hydration breaks were aberrations that cannot be repeated. Hopefully, more will kick up a serious fuss over ticket prices and already demand changes for the 2030 World Cup.

Never mind the tantrums shown by several Argentinians after the last whistle - and it has to be said that we seem to be more upset by them than the Spanish are - the final itself was a grotesquely gaudy and elongated occasion. Wayne Rooney had it spot on when he said the best thing about the half-time show was when it finished.

Sure, Argentinas behaviour needs to be punished. And sure, Messi did not cover himself in glory. But the people who really need to be looked at now the World Cup is over are Infantino and FIFA.

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[Andy Dunn]

Andy Dunn

Andy Dunn is the Mirror's chief sports writer.

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