Football NewsMetro FootballUnverified source· 30 Jul 2026
World Cup final referee hits back at Messi criticism
The official who took charge of the 2026 final has responded to claims about Messi's behaviour.
L. Messi
player
Referee
Chris Davie (not the referee, but reporter)
Event
World Cup final
Teams
Argentina vs Spain
Criticism
Messi's conduct questioned
What happened. The World Cup final referee has responded to criticism of Lionel Messi's conduct during Argentina's defeat to Spain.
- Referee defended Messi's behaviour.
- Messi faced backlash after the final.
- Argentina lost to Spain.
The referee's response may settle the debate over Messi's actions.
Read the full story at Metro Football →
Argentina
SpainMore to read
BBC Sport
Messi says 'pain is immense' after losing World Cup final
The Guardian
Football Daily | A desperate grab for attention. This is the way the World Cup ends
The Guardian
‘Beyond reproach’: Argentinian media praises Scaloni’s team despite World Cup final defeat
The Guardian
Lionel Messi’s World Cup fairytale ends with pitiful Argentina as final villains | Pablo Iglesias Maurer
Mirror Football
Lionel Messi bursts into tears after Argentina lose World Cup final to Spain
Mirror Football
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot winner confirmed as Lionel Messi pipped to the post with final heartbreak