FIFA releases referee's perspective footage of World Cup final; Vinčić asked Messi to maintain order

Published Aug 15, 04:42 PM UTC

Nearly four weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final, FIFA released referee's perspective footage from the match officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić. The footage captures pre-match ceremonies, the full 120-minute match including Ferran Torres' goal, and post-match scenes. During the match, the camera recorded an interaction where Messi protested to the referee, and Vinčić asked the Argentine captain to 'maintain order.' After Spain's victory, Vinčić received a commemorative medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump. Vinčić previously commented on his approach, expressing satisfaction that his officiating was not a topic of post-match discussion, and praised Messi's sportsmanship without revealing specific conversation details.