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Referee Slavko Vincic: Messi's behavior exemplary in 2026 World Cup final, no regrets over Enzo red card
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Slavko Vincic, the Slovenian referee who officiated the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina (1-0 a.e.t.) at MetLife Stadium, has praised Lionel Messi's exemplary behavior during the match. In an interview with Slovenian media Sport, Vincic, who retired at age 46 after the final, said he does not regret sending off Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez. He also noted that while Messi behaved well, some teammates like Leandro Paredes did not, with FIFA opening a disciplinary investigation into Paredes' violent acts after the match. Vincic stated he kept a private conversation with Messi to himself but confirmed the star's conduct was exemplary.
Source report
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who officiated the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina before announcing his retirement, has praised the conduct of Argentina star Lionel Messi during the match.
Vincic, 46, took charge of the Spain-Argentina final (1-0 a.e.t.) at MetLife Stadium — the most prestigious match in football — before announcing his retirement on Monday. The Slovenian official holds positive memories of the final.
"I knew my job was to manage it, when to blow the whistle and when to let play continue. I think we didn't encounter too many difficulties," he said Thursday in an interview with Slovenian media outlet Sport.
Regarding the expulsion of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Vincic said he reviewed the match and does not regret his decision to leave Argentina with ten men against eleven.
"Our Strategy Was the Right One"
Vincic was also asked about an exchange with Lionel Messi during the match.
"I prefer to keep that conversation to myself. But I can say that Messi behaved in an exemplary manner."
While the same cannot be said for all of Messi's teammates — particularly Leandro Paredes, who faces a Fifa disciplinary investigation for violent acts against Spanish players after the match — the Slovenian referee believes he did not miss the final match of his career.
"A whole referee career comes down to a single match. The responsibility is enormous, even though I believe our strategy was the right one," Vincic concluded.
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Slovenian Referee Slavko Vincic Appointed for 2026 World Cup Final