Lionel Messi Slams Critics Saying FIFA Rigged World Cup for Argentina
Newsweek · C · trust 29/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Argentina have produced comebacks and controversy in equal measure at the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup .
In their opening match, Lionel Messi was not shown a card for this challenge on Algeria's Aissa Mandi, sparking outrage. After Argentina came from 2-0 down to shock Egypt in the Round of 16, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan blasted the " unfair " officiating, and Mostafa Zico flat-out alleged, "It's clear that this tournament has been fixed." Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin followed suit after Argentina beat his team in the quarterfinal.
Messi , 39, didn't have time for any of Argentina's critics after pulling off another stunner at England 's expense in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 15.
Messi brushed off conspiracies that Argentina have benefitted from any FIFA favoritism and doubled down on the 'incredible" level he and his team have achieved — noting that the Argentines "have been the best for the last four years" and completed yet another comeback against England.
"Whoever it upsets, whatever they say, this team has shown that on the pitch, no one gives us anything for free," Messi said , later adding, "I’m happy, enjoying every moment, and proud and delighted to be able to bring everyone more joy."
Over on Instagram, Messi wrote, "WE'RE IN THE FINAL!!!!! [three Argentina flag emojis] We dug deep once again to put in another great performance. A huge thank you to everyone who believed in this group!!! [three praise hands emojis] Let's go Argentina!!!! #AllTogether"
As of this writing, the Instagram carousel has been liked over 3 million times in less than one hour.
England took a 1-0 lead over Argentina with Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal, but as has become custom at this World Cup, Argentina roared back in the match's dying moments. Enzo Fernandez curled in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez put the nail in England's coffin with the winning header in stoppage time. Messi assisted both goals. Of course.
Messi, in his record sixth World Cup, has recorded eight goals and four assists. His eight goals are tied with France's Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot, but Messi gets the edge with four assists to Mbappe's three. Over the past month, Messi has become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer (21) and all-time leader in World Cup assists (12).
Messi is now four days away from his third World Cup final appearance — Argentina's seventh World Cup final appearance — as La Albiceleste look to become the third nation to win back-to-back men's World Cup titles.
As of now, Italy (1934, '38) and Brazil (1958, '62) are the only two, and Spain will try to keep it that way when they meet Argentina in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. Nothing will be given to Argentina against Spain, as La Roja have only conceded one goal all tournament.
France and England will meet in for the third-place match in Miami on Saturday, July 18.
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