Wayne Rooney hits out at Lionel Messi's desperate attempt to get Marc Cucurella sent off during World Cup final

The coverage of Lionel Messi's potential to play for Spain in the World Cup final is broadly consistent across outlets, with a focus on his international career and eligibility. However, the framing and tone diverge, with the Evening Standard providing neutral and positive coverage, while Metro's coverage is more informative, highlighting the lack of matches against England. The centre-leaning outlets tend to focus on Messi's potential and upcoming matches, while the right-leaning outlet takes a more factual approach.

Wayne Rooney hits out at Lionel Messi's desperate attempt to get Marc Cucurella sent off during World Cup final

The game descended into chaos when Argentina's Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for clattering into Pau Cubarsi.

Lionel Messi branded a 'baby' after asking for Marc Cucurella to be sent off in World Cup final: 'Game's gone'

Argentina talisman was leaving nothing to chance as second world title slipped away

Lionel Messi slammed for desperate attempt to get Spain star sent off in World Cup final

Enzo Fernandez was sent off for Argentina during stoppage time in their World Cup final clash with Spain, but Lionel Messi also tried to get a Spain star sent off during the furore

‘Such a baby’ – Lionel Messi slammed for trying to get Spain star sent off in World Cup final