Lionel Messi has strongly denied accusations that Argentina have benefited from referee favouritism during the 2026 World Cup, following their dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the dying minutes cancelled out Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute opener, sending Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final.
Controversy Over Officiating
The match was marred by complaints from the England bench about referee Ismail Elfath, who was initially reluctant to issue yellow cards despite several robust challenges. Argentina have faced similar criticism throughout the tournament, with Egypt lodging a formal complaint with FIFA after their 3-2 last-16 defeat to Lionel Scaloni's side. Switzerland also described the refereeing in their quarter-final loss to Argentina as 'one-sided' and 'baffling'.
England's frustrations boiled over when Elliot Anderson was booked for a foul in the 37th minute, with the England coaching staff arguing that Argentina players had committed similar offences without punishment.
Messi's Response
After the match, Messi addressed the 'VARgentina' taunts head-on. 'Let people keep enjoying it,' he said. '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.'
The Argentina captain insisted their success was earned through merit. 'This proves that what we did wasn't by chance and that nobody gave us anything. Reaching two World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it.'
Team Unity
Messi praised his team's resilience and unity in the face of doubters. '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.'
Argentina will now await the winner of the other semi-final between France and Portugal as they bid to defend their World Cup title.
