The World Cup final referee breaks his silence on Messi: 'He behaved with sportsmanship'
Slavko Vincic broke his silence on the Spain vs Argentina final and revealed what he could about his on-field conversation with Messi.
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina left its mark in many ways — and referee Slavko Vincic was one of the most scrutinised figures of the night. Now, freshly back in Slovenia, the official has spoken for the first time.
In an interview with Slovenian outlet Sport, Vincic went straight to the point everyone wanted to hear: what actually happened between him and Messi during the match. "I'll keep that conversation on the pitch," the referee said — but added: "what I can say is that Messi behaved with sportsmanship." Nothing more, nothing less.
On the weight of refereeing the biggest match in world football, Vincic did not hide how he felt. "At first it was a shock," he admitted. Then came the pride — of representing Slovenia, of leading his officiating team on such a grand stage. "An entire refereeing career comes down to a single game," he reflected. "The responsibility is enormous."
Spain lifted the trophy. Argentina finished as runners-up. And Golmetria's model had already pointed toward that outcome: the Spaniards reached the final with an 84% chance of being there, compared to 68% for the Argentinians — but when it mattered most, football wrote its own script.
Vincic also confirmed he is retiring from refereeing. A career brought to a close on the biggest stage imaginable. The only question left is whether history will remember him for an impeccable final — or for the answers he chose to leave on the pitch.