Argentina captain Lionel Messi has responded to growing claims that FIFA has favoured the reigning world champions throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals.
The defending champions produced another late comeback to book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain, with Messi once again proving to be the difference when it mattered most. After England looked destined to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, Argentina turned the game around with two late goals, both created by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
While Argentina celebrated reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, the victory also reignited debate surrounding several controversial refereeing decisions that have followed the South American side throughout the tournament. Fans, pundits, and even rival football associations have questioned whether key moments have consistently gone in Argentina’s favour.
Messi, however, has firmly rejected those accusations.
Argentina Stage Another Late Comeback
England appeared to have one foot in the final after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a deserved lead midway through the second half.
The Three Lions defended well for much of the contest, frustrating Argentina and limiting clear-cut opportunities. However, as the game entered its closing stages, Lionel Scaloni’s side demonstrated the resilience that has become their trademark over the past several years.
With five minutes remaining, Messi picked out Enzo Fernandez, who fired home the equaliser to swing momentum firmly towards Argentina.
Just seven minutes later, Messi was involved once again.
Following a scramble inside the England penalty area, the veteran forward recovered possession near the byline before delivering a perfectly weighted cross with his weaker right foot. Lautaro Martinez rose highest to head home the winning goal deep into stoppage time, sending Argentina into yet another World Cup final.
The comeback broke English hearts while further enhancing Messi’s legacy on football’s biggest stage.
Controversial Moment Sparks Fresh Debate
Despite Argentina’s impressive comeback, much of the discussion after the final whistle centred around an incident involving Messi shortly before the winning goal.
As Argentina searched for a breakthrough, the ball ricocheted off the post before Messi challenged England defender Djed Spence for possession.
During the challenge, Messi appeared to catch the full-back, who immediately went to ground holding his leg.
England players appealed for a foul, believing play should have been stopped before Argentina continued their attack.
However, American referee Ismail Elfath allowed play to continue, and VAR chose not to intervene.
Only moments later, Messi delivered the cross that led directly to Lautaro Martinez’s winning header.
The sequence quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the match, with many England supporters arguing that the goal should never have stood because of the earlier challenge.
Others defended the decision, insisting the contact was accidental and not enough to warrant a foul.
Regardless of opinion, the incident added fuel to an already growing narrative that Argentina have benefited from several key refereeing calls during the tournament.
FIFA Favouritism Claims Continue
The controversy against England is only the latest chapter in a tournament that has repeatedly seen Argentina accused of receiving favourable treatment.
Earlier in the competition, Egypt publicly questioned several officiating decisions following their elimination against Argentina.
Officials from the Egyptian Football Association suggested the tournament appeared to be “rigged” in favour of the reigning champions, pointing to controversial VAR decisions and refereeing calls that they believed consistently favoured Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Those comments sparked widespread debate across social media, with supporters from several countries joining discussions about whether FIFA wanted Messi to finish his legendary international career with another World Cup triumph.
Although no evidence has emerged to support those allegations, conspiracy theories have continued to spread as Argentina progressed through the knockout rounds.
The dramatic victory over England only intensified those conversations.
Messi Finally Responds
Following the semi-final victory, Messi addressed the criticism directly for the first time.
Rather than focusing on the controversy surrounding officiating, the Argentina captain chose to defend his teammates and the work they have put into reaching another final.
He dismissed suggestions that Argentina had been handed an easy path or benefited from special treatment.
Instead, he insisted that the squad’s achievements were built entirely on hard work, unity and belief.
According to Metro, Messi said:
“Nobody gave us anything.”
He continued by praising the mentality that has carried Argentina to consecutive World Cup finals.
“Let people keep enjoying it. What this group has achieved is incredible—another final. We’ve come back to be world champions. We’re the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what they say.”
Messi also stressed that Argentina’s continued success is proof that their previous World Cup triumph was no accident.
“This proves that what we did wasn’t by chance and that nobody gave us anything.”
The Inter Miami forward added that reaching consecutive World Cup finals is an achievement very few nations manage, describing the squad’s togetherness as the biggest reason behind their success.
“This group doesn’t surprise me. I know and we knew what we were capable of. People out there had doubts, but when this group comes together and is united, it finds what it doesn’t have to give its all.”
Another World Cup Final Beckons
Messi’s performance against England once again underlined why he continues to influence matches despite being 39 years old.
Although he did not score, his two assists completely transformed the game.
England had largely contained Argentina’s attack for much of the evening, but the veteran produced two moments of brilliance when his team needed him most.
His vision, composure and creativity ultimately proved decisive.
With Spain waiting in the final, Messi now stands on the brink of achieving something no nation has managed since Brazil successfully defended the World Cup in 1962.
Victory on Sunday would cement Argentina’s place among the greatest international teams of the modern era.
Fresh FIFA Investigation Looms
Despite reaching another final, Argentina may still face disciplinary scrutiny.
After defeating England, several players were photographed celebrating with a banner displaying the message:
“Las Malvinas Son Argentinas.”
Translated into English, the message reads:
“The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”
Because FIFA maintains strict rules prohibiting political messages inside stadiums during official competitions, the celebration has already generated fresh controversy.
Reports suggest the incident could be reviewed by FIFA, although no formal disciplinary action has been announced.
If investigated, the governing body will need to determine whether the banner breached tournament regulations regarding political statements during official matches.
England Left Heartbroken Again
For England, another painful World Cup exit means the wait for major international silverware continues.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared to be in complete control after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon.
However, the decision to defend deeper during the closing stages invited sustained pressure from Argentina.
The world champions eventually punished England’s increasingly defensive approach with two late goals that left players and supporters devastated.
Attention will now turn to Saturday’s third-place playoff against France, while Argentina prepare for another chance to lift football’s biggest prize.
Final Thoughts
Whether supporters believe Argentina have received favourable decisions or simply admire their resilience, one fact remains impossible to ignore.
When the biggest moments arrive, Lionel Messi continues to deliver.
Against England, he created both goals that secured Argentina’s place in another World Cup final, once again proving why many regard him as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
As debate over refereeing decisions continues, Messi has made his own position perfectly clear.
In his view, Argentina have earned everything they have achieved.
Now, with Spain standing between them and another World Cup title, the reigning champions have one final opportunity to silence every remaining doubter on the biggest stage of all.
