‘Control Paredes’: RefCam captures flashpoint from Spain’s World Cup triumph

New footage from the 2026 World Cup final has reignited debate about Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic’s performance, with a conversation between him and Argentina captain Lionel Messi drawing particular anger from Spanish supporters.

FIFA released exclusive images from the match on Saturday, filmed from the referee’s perspective using its RefCam technology. The footage offered viewers access to moments that were not available during the original television broadcast, including exchanges between the officials and players throughout Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The most widely shared clip shows Vincic speaking to Messi about his Argentina team-mate Leandro Paredes. The referee tells the captain: “Control Paredes!”

Paredes had already been shown a yellow card and had become involved in several challenges with Spain players. Those incidents left him at risk of receiving a second booking and being sent off.

The conversation spread rapidly on social media, particularly among Spain supporters. Some believed it suggested Vincic was treating Messi and Argentina’s players differently, while others described it as a possible indication of bias in the final.

However, the footage itself does not prove that the referee gave Argentina preferential treatment. It shows the exchange between Vincic and Messi, but there is no evidence in the images alone that the official applied the laws of the game differently to one side.

Vincic did send off another Argentina player during the match: Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards. The first was issued for protesting against one of the referee’s decisions, while the second followed a forceful challenge.

The RefCam material covered much more than the exchange involving Messi and Paredes. FIFA’s release included footage from the players’ arrival on the pitch through to the trophy presentation after the final whistle.

It also captured a series of challenges and bookings during the match, as well as the decisive goal that secured Spain’s title. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final as Spain prevailed 1-0.

The release has therefore provided supporters with a closer view of the key incidents and the way Vincic managed the match, while also giving a different perspective on the final’s atmosphere and major moments.

Vincic had been appointed to the final after an important period in his refereeing career. He previously officiated the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

He also refereed Spain’s semi-final against France at UEFA Euro 2024 before taking charge of the match that ultimately saw Spain crowned world champions.