Lionel Messi has addressed critics of Argentina, stating firmly, “Nothing was handed to us.”
The Argentine icon responded to ongoing criticism aimed at the reigning World Cup champions, who have faced accusations of receiving favorable officiating and predominance in soccer circles. Messi emphasized that the team’s ability to clinch victories from behind, notably in their semifinal win over England, is simply a testament to their championship mentality.
Trailing 1-0 in the 85th minute, Argentina staged a thrilling comeback, ultimately defeating England 2-1 to secure a spot in the World Cup final.
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The victory sent throngs of jubilant fans into the streets of Buenos Aires, celebrating a remarkable comeback that illustrates the resilience of a squad now just one win away from a consecutive title. Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday.
Previously, Argentina advanced by defeating Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time, and they pulled off a sensational 3-2 comeback against Egypt, erasing a 2-0 deficit with just 11 minutes remaining in regulation.
However, coaches from both Switzerland and Egypt voiced their displeasure with the refereeing. Egypt’s Hossam Hassan labeled his team a victim of an establishment favoring Messi and Argentina.
These allegations intensified criticism from fans who believe the tournament’s structure favored La Albiceleste, alongside baseless claims circulating on social media that the soccer governing body is biased toward making Argentina champions again.
“We’ve proven ourselves to be the best over these last four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what is said,” Messi asserted after the match against England. “We’ve once again demonstrated that we are among the top two teams in the world, showing that our achievements are earned and not given.”
Controversy also surrounded the match against Switzerland, where a contentious decision left many believing Argentina had benefited from favoritism by World Cup officials.
After Switzerland equalized with a goal from Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute, Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for a tackle that appeared to miss its mark, leading to a controversial red card for Swiss player Breel Embolo, who had previously received a yellow card. This forced Switzerland to continue with only ten players.
Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed his frustration, stating, “We were punished unfairly due to a rule that I find unacceptable. It’s heartbreaking that we were eliminated in this manner. My players truly deserve better.”
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Argentina fans flood Buenos Aires to celebrate WC semifinal victory
In response to the officiating concerns, the Egyptian Football Association stated it “cannot remain silent” regarding what it deemed unfair treatment in Egypt’s defeat to Argentina.
The Argentine team has not publicly addressed the officiating complaints. In prior press conferences, head coach Lionel Scaloni advised journalists to “avoid getting too wrapped up in social media.” However, following their win over England, Messi and his teammates defended their achievements.
“Reaching back-to-back World Cup finals is a rare achievement, one that this group accomplished,” Messi reflected. “If we had lost to England, critics would have had plenty to say, but we didn’t give them that opportunity.”
Enzo Fernández, who scored the equalizer, indicated that his celebration was a response to the naysayers, cupping his hands to his ears and gesturing as if inviting dissenters to continue speaking.
“There was a lot of noise around us; it was a blend of joy and frustration,” Fernández shared.
Scaloni also commented on the persistent narratives regarding ‘help,’ expressing that such discussions will always arise but do not concern him, asserting that with VAR, clear biases would have to be painfully obvious, adding, “We were aware there was no assistance.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.