Messi Speaks On Refereeing Favouritism Claims After Argentina Reach World Cup Final

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has dismissed allegations that his team benefited from favourable refereeing decisions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the reigning champions earned their place in the final through hard work, resilience and team unity.

Messi made the remarks after leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final, a result that booked the South Americans a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

The Inter Miami forward once again played a decisive role in Argentina’s success, providing assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez as the defending champions overcame the Three Lions to remain on course to retain the title they won four years ago.

The victory came amid growing scrutiny over officiating decisions involving Argentina throughout the tournament.

In the lead-up to the semi-final, Messi and several of his teammates had been the subject of claims from critics who alleged that Argentina had received favourable treatment from FIFA-appointed match officials during key matches.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that Egypt and Switzerland had lodged complaints with FIFA regarding officiating decisions in their respective knockout-stage defeats to Argentina, claiming that controversial calls influenced the outcomes of those matches.

‘Nobody Gave Us Anything’

Speaking after the victory over England, Messi rejected suggestions that Argentina’s success had been aided by referees, insisting the team’s achievements were the product of determination, consistency and collective effort.

“Let people keep enjoying it,” the 39-year-old said.

“What this group has achieved is incredible. Another final, we have come back to be world champions, we are the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what they say.

“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.

“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.”

Messi’s comments come as Argentina prepare for another opportunity to make history by successfully defending the FIFA World Cup title, a feat achieved by only a handful of nations in the competition’s history.

Victory over Spain on Sunday would further strengthen Argentina’s position as one of world football’s dominant forces and add another major chapter to Messi’s remarkable international career.

Spain, meanwhile, will be aiming to claim another World Cup crown after reaching the final with an impressive run through the tournament.

England’s defeat ended their hopes of lifting the trophy, and the Three Lions will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff against France as they seek to finish the tournament on a positive note.