Lionel Messi's decisive extra-time goal for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final against France should have been disallowed under FIFA rules, as Argentine substitutes encroached onto the pitch before the ball crossed the line. The violation, confirmed by match footage, would have kept the score at 2-2 and potentially altered the outcome of the tournament.
Goal Scored Amidst Pitch Encroachment
Argentina led 2-0 in normal time before Kylian Mbappe scored twice to force extra time. In the 108th minute, Lautaro Martinez's shot was saved by Hugo Lloris, but Messi reacted quickest to poke the rebound into the net. However, television images show several Argentine substitutes, wearing orange bibs, already on the field near the dugouts before the ball crossed the line.
According to FIFA's official regulations: "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." Referee Szymon Marciniak did not notice the infringement, allowing the goal to stand.
French Media Criticism
French outlet 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." The newspaper's editor-in-chief also criticized Marciniak's overall performance, citing a soft penalty awarded to Argentina and a failure to book Argentine players for cynical fouls.
Marciniak, an experienced Champions League referee, had been praised for handling the high-pressure final, awarding three penalties and booking Marcus Thuram for diving. However, L'Equipe argued he did not rise to the occasion.
Impact on the Match
After Messi's goal, France equalized in the 118th minute through a Mbappe penalty, taking the match to a shootout. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties, securing their third World Cup title. The encroachment incident has since been a point of controversy, with some arguing it tainted Argentina's victory.
As England now prepares to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, fans hope match officials will be more vigilant to avoid similar controversies. England seeks their first international silverware in 60 years.
