Lionel Messi has rejected claims that Argentina benefited from favourable refereeing during the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the reigning champions have reached the final solely on the strength of their performances on the field.
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-final in Atlanta, providing assists for both second-half goals as Lionel Scaloni's side secured a title clash against Spain on Sunday.
After the match, the Argentina skipper addressed criticism surrounding his team's campaign, which has been accompanied by debate over several controversial refereeing decisions.
“It hurts whoever it hurts, and let them say whatever they want. We proved once again on the pitch that nobody gives us anything,” Messi told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports.
“We came in under fire, with a lot of doubts around us, but I knew this group always competes,” Messi said. “I was sure we were going to be among the final four and, thank God, we made it into the top two.”
Throughout the tournament, Argentina have faced allegations from critics that important officiating calls have gone in their favour. Messi firmly dismissed those suggestions.
Looking back on the semi-final against England, he said: “If we had lost to England, people would’ve come out and said some nonsense about us, but we didn’t give them the chance.”
“We knew that football-wise we were better than them. But when you play a match of this magnitude, with all the history between the two countries, there’s always something extra. We had to win it.”
Messi also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, recalling the late Argentine legend on a day that carried special significance because of his unforgettable display against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
“Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this from up there,” Messi said.
“Today was a very special day for him. To be able to give him this joy is also a gift for him.”
The 2022 World Cup winner will head into Sunday's final against Spain as the leading contender for both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot. Messi has registered eight goals and four assists during the tournament, placing him ahead of France's Kylian Mbappe on the assists tie-breaker.
A victory over Spain would also see Argentina become the first men's national team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, adding another landmark achievement to Messi's international career.
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