Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has broken his silence on the 2026 World Cup final, stressing that Lionel Messi behaved impeccably during Argentina’s defeat by Spain and defending his handling of a match he says carried “enormous” pressure.
Vincic, who officiated Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final, confirmed his retirement from refereeing after the showpiece, which was marred in some quarters by debate over several contentious incidents.
Speaking to Slovenian newspaper Sport, the 46-year-old was asked directly about his on-pitch exchange with Argentina captain Messi during the match.
“I will leave that conversation on the pitch,” Vincic said. “But I can say that Messi acted in a sporting manner.”
His comment was aimed at dispelling speculation among supporters about what was said between the referee and the Argentine star during tense moments of the final.
‘At first it was a shock’
Vincic revealed he was initially taken aback when told he had been selected to take charge of the biggest game in world football.
“At the beginning it was a shock,” he admitted in remarks reported by Spanish outlet Marca. “Then I felt proud of our refereeing team, which would represent Slovenia on this important stage, at the biggest sporting event in the world. I also felt proud of the Football Association of Slovenia and the refereeing committee.”
Spain eventually clinched the trophy with a 1-0 win after extra time, but the game featured several decisions that prompted post-match scrutiny, heightening the spotlight on the officials.
Vincic said he was fully aware of the magnitude of the task from the moment he received the appointment.
“I knew it was a big responsibility,” he said. “We had to be worthy of that trust and finish the match successfully.”
‘Career reduced to one match’
The Slovenian described the World Cup final as the defining moment of his refereeing career, explaining that the stakes for him and his assistants could hardly have been higher.
“This World Cup match created enormous pressure on the refereeing team, given the importance of a clash between two global football powers,” he said.
“An entire refereeing career is reduced to a single match. The responsibility is huge, although I believe our strategy was correct.”
Vincic’s team was tasked with managing a high-intensity contest between Spain and an Argentina side led by Messi, under the glare of worldwide attention and with the outcome of the sport’s most prestigious competition at stake.
VAR ‘impossible to do without’
The experienced official also used the interview to strongly defend the role of the video assistant referee (VAR), insisting modern refereeing cannot function without technological support.
“A mistake can be corrected by reviewing the footage,” he said. “With the speed of modern football, it is impossible to see everything. I cannot imagine refereeing without the help of technology.”
Vincic argued that interventions from VAR are a necessary safeguard rather than a sign of weakness from on-field officials, particularly in matches of the intensity and tempo seen in a World Cup final.
His comments bring closure to his international career after stepping away from refereeing in the immediate aftermath of the 2026 final, a match he regards as both the peak of his profession and the ultimate test of his decision-making under pressure.
