Messi Dismisses FIFA Favouritism Claims as Argentina Reach World Cup Final

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has rejected allegations that FIFA favoured the reigning world champions during their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting that every victory was earned through hard work, determination and teamwork.

The football legend made the comments after leading Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Wednesday’s semi-final, securing the Albiceleste’s place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

Messi played a decisive role in the victory, providing assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez after England had taken an early lead.

The result keeps Argentina on course to defend the title they won at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina’s impressive run to the final has attracted scrutiny following controversial refereeing decisions during the knockout stage.

Both Egypt and Switzerland reportedly raised concerns with FIFA after suffering defeats to Argentina, prompting claims on social media and among some football analysts that the South American side had benefited from favourable officiating.

Speaking after the semi-final, Messi dismissed the allegations, saying Argentina’s success is built on quality, resilience and a united dressing room.

“Let people keep talking.

This proves that what we achieved wasn’t by chance and that nobody gave us anything.

Reaching two World Cup finals is something very few teams accomplish, and this group has done it.

People had doubts, but whenever this group comes together and stays united, it always finds a way to give everything.”

Argentina will now face European champions Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, with the South Americans aiming to become back-to-back world champions.

Victory would further cement Argentina’s place among international football’s greatest teams while adding another remarkable chapter to Messi’s legendary career.

Meanwhile, England will battle France in Saturday’s third-place play-off after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

The showdown between Argentina and Spain is expected to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, bringing together two of world football’s most successful nations in a clash for the biggest prize in the sport.