Ridiculous? Argentine star faked an injury! Attempted to stop Enzo from being sent off, UK media: cheap and shameless

Footage of Argentina's left-back Tagliafico feigning injury to get the referee's attention, hoping to save Enzo from a sending-off, went viral on July 22. The *Daily Mail* didn't hold back, branding his act as disgraceful and pathetic.

In the highly anticipated World Cup final two days ago, Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain after extra time, failing to defend their title. A key turning point was the dismissal of midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Deep into stoppage time of regular play, Enzo received his second yellow card—and consequently a red—for a reckless tackle on Spanish defender Cubarsí, making contact far too late.

After being sent off, Enzo protested fiercely, insisting he hadn't committed a foul. However, British media argue that referee Vincic's decision was almost beyond dispute: Cubarsí was completely wiped out in the air, losing his balance.

Just as Enzo launched into that tackle, 33-year-old Argentine left-back Tagliafico seemed to realize the severity of his teammate's foul.

He had been walking normally moments before, but then immediately dropped to the ground, clutching his leg and pretending to be seriously injured and in great pain.

Right after that, Argentina captain Messi also rushed toward the referee without hesitation. Vincic had already pulled the red card from his pocket, but Messi kept pointing at the fallen Tagliafico, hoping to divert the official's attention and prevent Argentina from being forced into extra time with ten men.

"The *Daily Mail* mocked this by saying: "Argentina's desperate trick ultimately failed to change Vincic's decision. No matter how they performed, it couldn't stop Enzo from ending his match early."