2026 WORLD CUP: "CATCH PAREDES, HE ALREADY HAS A YELLOW CARD," THE EXCHANGE BETWEEN LIONEL MESSI AND THE FINAL REFEREE REVEALED IN VIDEO

Footage from the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, captured by the referee's camera, has been released. An exchange between Slavko Vincic and Lionel Messi regarding Leandro Paredes has particularly caught the eye.

Footage of the 2026 World Cup final has been released. For the first time in the competition's history, FIFA tested a new system this year by equipping the main referee with a camera for each match.

On Saturday, a four-minute summary of footage captured by the referee of the final, Slovenian Slavko Vincic, was published, retracing the 120 minutes of the thrilling match between Argentina and Spain (0-1 aet), from the players' entry onto the pitch to the medal presentation, including an unprecedented view of the only goal of the match, scored by Ferran Torres.

An exchange between the referee and Lionel Messi particularly caught the attention of internet users.

"Paredes Control"

The footage showed several exchanges between the players and the match official, including one with Lionel Messi regarding Leandro Paredes' rough play. While the Slovenian referee initially declined to elaborate on his discussions with the Albiceleste captain during the match, the footage ultimately revealed everything.

After already warning the Argentinian midfielder, Slavko Vincic asked Lionel Messi to calm Leandro Paredes's rough play. "Messi, control Paredes, control him, I don't want to send him off, he's already received a yellow card," the match official told the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ultimately, the Boca Juniors player finished the match on the pitch after receiving a yellow card just six minutes after coming on as a substitute at halftime. This was not the case for his compatriot Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off at the end of regulation time after receiving two yellow cards in ten minutes.