As England prepare for a World Cup semi-final against Argentina tonight, fans hope match officials are sharper than four years ago. Lionel Messi's third goal for Argentina in the 2022 final against France should have been disallowed under FIFA rules, images show.
Messi's Controversial Goal in the 2022 Final
Argentina led 2-0 before Kylian Mbappe equalised, forcing extra time. In the 108th minute, Messi prodded the ball past Hugo Lloris after Lautaro Martinez's initial shot. He celebrated with teammates who had run onto the pitch from the bench. However, multiple Argentine substitutes were seen encroaching onto the field near the technical area before the ball fully crossed the line. Two players in orange bibs were visible on the pitch.
FIFA regulations state: "If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, that there was an extra person on the field of play when the goal was scored, the referee must disallow the goal." This means referee Szymon Marciniak should have awarded France a free-kick and kept the score at 2-2.
French Media Outrage
French publication L'Equipe highlighted the error, writing: "Except that the goal is invalid if we strictly apply the rules. When Messi volleys Hugo Lloris' save, some emotionally-charged Argentine substitutes are already on the pitch, ready to celebrate. Which is strictly prohibited." L'Equipe's editor-in-chief also criticised Marciniak, claiming he "did not rise to the occasion" and questioning his decisions, including a soft penalty for Angel Di Maria and failure to book Cristian Romero for multiple fouls.
Marciniak's Performance Under Scrutiny
Despite receiving praise for handling the final, awarding three penalties and booking Marcus Thuram for diving, Marciniak faced heavy criticism from French media. L'Equipe asked: "How did Mr Marciniak not book the Argentinians when they chopped down counter-attacks through any means necessary? How was Emiliano Martinez able to grab the ball during the penalty shootout and throw it far away from Aurelien Tchouameni without the official intervening?"
Impact on the Final
France forced a penalty shootout when Mbappe converted a 118th-minute penalty, but Argentina won 4-2. England fans now hope officials for tonight's semi-final are up to standard as the Three Lions seek to end a 60-year wait for silverware.
