New footage from the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has reignited debate over the performance of referee Slavko Vincic, after FIFA released exclusive RefCam images from the match on Saturday.
The most widely shared moment shows Vincic speaking to Argentina captain Lionel Messi and telling him: “Control Paredes!” The comment referred to Leandro Paredes, who had already been booked and had been involved in several physical confrontations with Spain players, leaving him at risk of being sent off.
The footage spread rapidly on social media, particularly among Spain supporters. Some fans viewed the exchange as evidence that Vincic treated Messi and Argentina’s players differently, while others described it as a sign of possible bias.
However, the images themselves do not prove that the referee gave Argentina preferential treatment.
Vincic later dismissed another Argentina player, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, after he received two yellow cards. The first booking came for protesting against one of the referee’s decisions, while the second followed a forceful challenge.
The RefCam material offered viewers a perspective that was not available through the standard television broadcast. It included footage from the players’ entrance on to the pitch through to the trophy presentation after the final.
It also captured a number of challenges and disciplinary incidents during the match, as well as the goal which secured Spain’s 1-0 victory and the world title. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal.
The release of the footage has brought renewed attention to Vincic’s handling of the final, despite the images not establishing that his decisions were influenced by any particular player or team.
The Slovenian official entered the match with considerable experience at the highest level. He had previously refereed the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Vincic was also the referee for Spain’s Euro 2024 semi-final against France, adding to the significance of his appointment for a final involving Spain.
FIFA’s RefCam footage showed the match from the referee’s viewpoint, giving supporters access to conversations, incidents and matchday moments that would normally remain unseen. The exchange involving Messi and Paredes became the central focus of the reaction, while the rest of the footage provided additional detail on the challenges, bookings and proceedings surrounding Spain’s victory.