




Refereeing errors that disadvantaged Argentina and Messi in the three finals played between 2014 and 2026.
(If you’re going to argue that a play like this should be interpreted differently, please back it up with reasons.)
2014 World Cup Final: A German player lunges studs-up at Zabaleta; it’s only a yellow card, even though the severity warrants a straight red.
The uncalled penalty by Neuer on Higuaín—a knee to the face that wasn't just denied as a penalty but actually called as an attacking foul (if you don't think it's a penalty, explain why it's an attacking foul).
2015 Copa América: A kick to Messi's stomach results in only a yellow card, despite warranting a red.
2016 Copa América: Marcos Rojo wins the ball cleanly, yet the referee issues a straight red card—there wasn't even any contact.