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

In his own words:

"Nobody gave us anything. We have been the best for the last four years. We reached another final because of our own efforts, not because of anyone else."

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.