Lionel Messi has fired back at accusations of FIFA favouritism following Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England, insisting his team earned everything through merit as they prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Lionel Messi has heard the noise — and he has a message for his critics.
Hours after providing two decisive assists to down England 2-1 in a pulsating World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, the 39-year-old Argentina captain addressed the swirling favouritism allegations head-on at his post-match interview, according to World Cup press conference correspondents.
“This proves that what we did wasn’t by chance and that nobody gave us anything,” Messi said. “Reaching two World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it.”
The backdrop to his words was significant. Throughout this World Cup, Argentina have faced accusations of receiving preferential refereeing decisions — allegations that intensified after Egypt and Switzerland both filed formal complaints to FIFA over officiating in their respective knockout defeats to the reigning champions.
Daily Post reports that Messi, who delivered two assists against England — setting up Enzo Fernandez for the 85th-minute equaliser and crossing for Lautaro Martinez to head home the 92nd-minute winner — was unapologetic in his response.
“Let people keep enjoying it,” he 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.”
The captain also pointed to team unity as the defining factor in Argentina’s success. “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 face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, while England take on France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
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