Lionel Messi hits back at FIFA favouritism row after England semi-final defeat
Even before England faced them in the semi-final last night (15 July), there was criticism over the alleged treatment of Argentina by FIFA.
It’s been heavily speculated that the team has had the favouritism treatment throughout the World Cup – Egypt even filed a complaint over the officiating in their 3-2 defeat in the last 16.
But captain Lionel Messi has hit back at the speculation about both him and his team.
While a lot of criticism for England’s loss has fallen on manager Thomas Tuchel’s shoulders amid his substitution choices, the semi-final was pretty aggy to say the least.
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There were plenty of calls for fouls that went missed and it’s arguably been a bit of a trend throughout the tournament. When Switzerland faced Argentina in the semi-final, they claimed the officiating was ‘one-sided’ and ‘baffling’.
Arguably viewed as FIFA’s ‘golden boy’, Messi doesn’t believe Argentina has been subject to favouritism.
The current World Cup title holder wants to ‘keep enjoying it’ as the team made their way into a consecutive final.
“What this group has achieved is incredible – another final, we’ve come back to be world champions, we’re the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what they say,” he said following the match.
“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.”
Doubling down on this idea that their spot in the final wasn’t ‘given’ to Argentina, Messi said he isn’t ‘surprised’ by his team.
“I know and we knew what we were capable of. 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,” he added.
And to really add a sting to it all, the ‘GOAT’ said the team were confident they’d beat England as he’s ‘happy’ he could give it to the fans.
“We forget all the bad things we have to go through, there are people who have a hard time, who don’t have a job, who don’t make ends meet, it’s our life, what we’ve always had to deal with, it’s beautiful to be able to give this joy to them,” Messi continued.
“We Argentinians always demand more. If we had lost to England today, there would have been people saying stupid things, and we didn’t give them the chance… we knew that we were better than them at football, but it’s still special because of everything it means.”
Argentina will now face Spain in the final on Sunday (19 July) while the Three Lions head into the third-place playoff against France on Saturday (18 July).
Following their match in the last 16, Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan said the team had been ‘treated unfairly’ and ‘suffered injustice’.
He said of FIFA: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”
Well, while the favouritism is denied, I guess we’ll have to see what the outcome is on Sunday.
World Cup winners by year
2022 - Argentina
Perhaps one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history was France vs Argentina at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2022.
Following a tense 3-3 draw after extra time, Argentina were ultimately crowned the champions after beating Didier Deschamps' side 4-2 on penalties.
2018 - France
A stellar performance at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in 2018 led to France bagging their second World Cup title, triumphing 4-2 over Croatia.
2014 - Germany
An extra-time goal from Germany’s Mario Götze sealed his team's 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2014.
2010 - Spain
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in 2010’s final at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was all thanks to a late extra-time goal from midfielder Andrés Iniesta.
2006 - Italy
Italy won the 2006 World Cup at Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany, after beating France 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw at extra time.
- 2002 - Brazil
- 1998 - France
- 1994 - Brazil
- 1990 - West Germany
- 1986 - Argentina
- 1982 - Italy
- 1978 - Argentina
- 1974 - West Germany
- 1970 - Brazil
- 1966 - England
- 1962 - Brazil
- 1958 - Brazil
- 1954 - West Germany
- 1950 - Uruguay
- 1938 - Italy
- 1934 - Italy
- 1930 - Uruguay
Topics: World Cup, Lionel Messi, Football
Jess Battison