During the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, defender Marc Cucurella faced controversy after covering his mouth while speaking to Lionel Messi.The incident sparked debate among fans and players, with Argentina’s team demanding a red card under FIFA’s 'Prestianni' rule.

This rule, introduced for the 2026 tournament, mandates that players who cover their mouths during confrontations receive a red card to prevent concealing offensive language.

However, officials determined that Cucurella’s hand movement did not involve malicious speech, leading referee Slavko Vincic to dismiss Argentina’s appeal.The decision has drawn criticism for perceived inconsistency, as two other players had been sent off under the same rule earlier in the tournament.

FIFA’s regulation aims to curb abusive behavior, but the lack of VAR review for this incident highlights challenges in enforcing such rules on the field.The controversy underscores ongoing discussions about fairness and transparency in football officiating.