Former England captain Wayne Rooney has criticised Lionel Messi for what he called a "desperate" attempt to get Spain defender Marc Cucurella sent off during the World Cup final. The comments add to a wave of scrutiny over Argentina's conduct in the match, which Spain won 1-0, with the game and its aftermath marked by ill-tempered incidents and criticism of several players' behaviour.

The final, played in New York, ended in more controversy after the full-time whistle, with reports of a brawl breaking out and Argentina players turning their backs during Spain's trophy celebrations. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was said to have left his post-match press conference in tears, while Messi's on-pitch conduct, including the alleged attempt to have Cucurella dismissed, has become a focal point of criticism from pundits including Rooney.