Lionel Messi points as he tries to get Marc Cucurella sent off (Image: AFP)
Several fan-led petitions have been launched calling for Lionel Messi to be stripped of a prestigious award. The World Cup runner-up has faced backlash following the Argentina team’s antics at the tournament, especially during and after the 2-1 final defeat to Spain.
Messi was spotted trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off, and his team-mates have since been the subject of a FIFA investigation for their actions when tempers boiled over at full-time. Prior to this, Messi was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports prize for exceptional contributions to sport, science, the humanities and public affairs.
When announcing its verdict, the jury highlighted not only Messi’s remarkable accomplishments on the field but also his wide-ranging charitable endeavours, his exemplary behaviour during matches, and his resilience, modesty, and dedication to collective success.
However, that decision has faced mounting criticism since Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain. Tensions boiled over at the final whistle as a number of Argentine players became involved in angry exchanges with their Spanish rivals.
While Messi was not directly involved in any of the physical altercations, he and his colleagues drew condemnation for turning away and declining to watch Spain’s trophy ceremony — a move widely regarded as poor sportsmanship.
The controversy has sparked numerous petitions demanding that Messi be stripped of the Princess of Asturias Award, with critics arguing his behaviour failed to meet the standards of conduct the honour is meant to celebrate.
One petition states that Messi exhibited conduct that was “unsportsmanlike and contrary to the values of respect and fair play that the sport promotes.”
It further claims that withdrawing the accolade from him would “send a clear message about the importance of maintaining exemplary conduct in all facets of life, especially in the realm of sports.”
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Another campaign argues that rescinding the honour would help “restore confidence in the fairness and rigour” of these awards, which have previously been bestowed upon figures such as Al Gore, David Attenborough, Rafael Nadal and Stephen Hawking.
Messi, 39, is scheduled to receive the award at a ceremony in October. Upon announcing him as the recipient, the Princess of Asturias Foundation stated: “In addition to [Messi’s] dazzling talent, the Jury has highlighted his exceptional sporting career and his formidable and continued charitable work to promote access to education and health care for the most disadvantaged children.
Argentina stars all stood with their backs to Spain in front of their fans as the winners received their World Cup medals (Image: Getty Images)
“Leo Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary behaviour on the field and for his consistency, humility and commitment to the team game.”
Messi was denied a storybook ending to his international career as Argentina succumbed to a 1-0 extra-time loss against Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres netted the winning goal moments after Enzo Fernandez had received a red card, ending Argentina’s title defence in agonising fashion.
The encounter was ultimately eclipsed by chaotic incidents following the final whistle. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes is amongst several individuals being investigated by FIFA after facing three charges of violent conduct.