FIFA has published unprecedented footage from the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, captured by the camera worn by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić. Among the most striking sequences is an exchange between the official and Lionel Messi concerning the case of Leandro Paredes.
The referee turns to the captain
Already booked and continuing to rack up aggressive challenges, Paredes catches Vinčić's attention, who chooses to address the Argentine captain directly: 'Messi, control Paredes!' The referee even makes clear that he does not want to see the midfielder sent off.
The scene reveals a rarely visible side of a World Cup final: rather than intervening solely with the player in question, the referee uses the captain as an intermediary to defuse the tension. Messi responds calmly to the request, while Vinčić continues to manage the midfield.
An unprecedented perspective on the match
Beyond this exchange, the RefCam offers a completely different reading of the final. The footage allows viewers to relive the discussions in the tunnel, the bookings, the midfield duels and, above all, the action leading to Ferran Torres's goal, which handed the title to Spain.
Played on 19 July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium, the final ended with a score of 1-0 in favour of Spain after extra time. Nearly a month after the final whistle, this unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage continues to fuel the legend of the match.
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