Slavko Vincic has looked back on the end of his refereeing career after choosing to retire following the 2026 World Cup final. Walking away after overseeing the biggest match in international football gave his decision extra weight, with the veteran official closing out his time in the middle on the sport's grandest stage.
In reflecting on the final, Vincic revisited his performance in a game remembered for Spain's dramatic victory. His comments frame the match not only as a major sporting occasion, but also as the defining last chapter of a career that reached its peak at the World Cup.
Vincic also spoke about a conversation with Argentina star Lionel Messi as he discussed life after officiating. While the available details are limited, the mention of Messi adds another high-profile element to his retirement reflections and underlines the stature of the figures involved around the tournament.
The decision means Vincic leaves the profession after one of the most visible assignments any referee can receive. His retrospective on the 2026 World Cup final and his exchange with Messi captures the sense of closure that comes with ending a career immediately after football's most prestigious fixture.
