Ian Wright, working as a pundit for ITV during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain, did not hold back his frustration over what he described as consistently lenient refereeing in Argentina's favour.

The first half delivered a technically impressive contest, with Lamine Yamal twice threatening to break the deadlock inside the opening five minutes — denied in a one-on-one before failing to square to an unmarked teammate. Lionel Messi also threatened, only to be stopped by an alert Unai Simon rushing off his line.

Wright's verdict on the officiating

Despite committing nine fouls across the first half, Argentina received just one booking. Wright was blunt when asked whether the referee had been too lenient with Lionel Scaloni's side: