"Nothing Was Handed to Us": Messi Breaks Silence on FIFA Bias Claims After Argentina's Dramatic World Cup Semifinal Win

He pointed specifically to Argentina's repeated ability to overturn late-game deficits — against Egypt in the Round of 16 (3-2) and England in the semifinal (2-1) — as proof of the team's character and merit .

Why the bias allegations grew through the tournament

The favoritism allegations did not start with the England match. They escalated over a series of controversial games.

Egypt's formal complaint (Round of 16): After Argentina's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) officially filed a complaint with FIFA, accusing French referee François Letexier and his officiating team of "clear discrimination" and bias toward Argentina . Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players publicly said they "cannot remain silent regarding the refereeing decisions" . Egypt also formally requested that FIFA remove the officials from the tournament .

Croatia's earlier complaint: Croatia's federation (HNS) had already filed a formal complaint to FIFA earlier in the tournament, citing "dissatisfaction" with VAR application and officiating in their match against Argentina .

Statistical scrutiny: Critics pointed to disciplinary disparities — data showed Argentina received a yellow card approximately every 19.7 fouls, a far lower rate than other semifinalists . Conspiracy theories on social media labeled Messi "FIFA's princess" .

FIFA's defense: Chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina released a statement firmly rejecting the allegations, saying "nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president" .

Argentina's comeback: the semifinal against England

The match took place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in front of 68,239 fans .

• 55th minute — England 1-0: Anthony Gordon scored after a brilliant assist from Morgan Rogers .
• 85th minute — 1-1: Enzo Fernández equalized for Argentina, having had two earlier chances denied .
• 90+2 minute — 2-1: Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time .

Lionel Messi assisted both goals . England was just five minutes away from reaching their first men's World Cup final since 1966 before Argentina's dramatic late rally .

What's at stake: the final against Spain

Argentina is trying to become the first nation to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962 . It would be their fourth title overall . The match also carries extra narrative weight as it could be Messi's final World Cup appearance at age 39 .

With the controversy swirling around them, Argentina will face Spain in a final that pits the reigning world champions against the reigning European champions. Messi's message was clear: no matter what the critics say, his team has earned its place.