New footage: World Cup final referee's words to Messi ignite anger among Spanish fans

The match witnessed some controversial incidents

New footage from the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has reopened the debate about the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, after FIFA released exclusive scenes from the match today, Saturday, from the referee's perspective via "RefCam" technology.

One clip did the rounds more than any other. It captured Vincic's conversation with Argentina captain Lionel Messi, when he told him: "Control Paredes!", a reference to teammate Leandro Paredes, who had picked up a yellow card and been involved in more than one clash with Spain's players, leaving him at risk of a sending off.

The footage spread quickly across social media. Spanish fans, above all, saw in it proof that Vincic handled Messi and Argentina's players differently, and some went as far as calling it evidence of bias, even though the clip itself proves no preferential treatment whatsoever.

That incident was far from the only revelation. The "RefCam" angle exposed details the television broadcast never showed, from the players walking out onto the pitch all the way to the coronation ceremony.

It also captured a number of clashes and cards through the match, alongside the goal that sealed the title for Spain (1-0) through Ferran Torres.

Vincic reached the final off the back of a distinguished career. He had previously officiated the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, as well as the Spain versus France semi-final at Euro 2024.