Lionel Messi says Argentina's World Cup success is 'not by chance' amid FIFA bias claims

By Kartik Sharma | Data Analyst & Reporter

2 consecutive FIFA World Cup finals have become Lionel Messi's strongest response to allegations that Argentina have benefited from FIFA favouritism. The Argentina captain broke his silence after the defending champions' 2-1 semi-final victory over England, insisting their achievements are the product of four years of consistent performances rather than favourable officiating.

The remarks came after Argentina reached another World Cup final in Atlanta. Throughout the tournament, social media has been flooded with accusations that refereeing and VAR decisions have favoured Lionel Scaloni's side, particularly following controversial incidents against Algeria, Egypt and Switzerland. Messi rejected those claims outright, arguing that Argentina's sustained success cannot be dismissed as luck or outside influence.

Lionel Messi rejects claims that FIFA favours Argentina

Messi didn't avoid the controversy. Instead, he directly addressed critics who have questioned Argentina's route to a second straight FIFA World Cup final.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner pointed to Argentina's record over the past four years rather than individual refereeing decisions. For Messi, reaching consecutive World Cup finals is evidence that the squad has consistently performed at the highest level.

He said Argentina had repeatedly proved themselves on footballing merit and insisted no external help had carried them this far.

"It hurts whoever it hurts… We've been the best for the last four years, whether people like it or not, no matter what they say. Once again, we're among the two best in the world, and that shows that everything we've done isn't by chance and nobody gave us anything. Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it."

Messi also suggested that criticism would have intensified had Argentina failed to beat England.
He added:

"If we had lost to England, people would have come out and said some nonsense, and we didn't give them the chance. We knew that we were better than them in terms of football, but a lot is at stake in a match of this magnitude, where historic events happen in these games."

Argentina's response comes after another dramatic comeback

Argentina entered the semi-final under growing scrutiny following several controversial refereeing moments earlier in the tournament. Discussions surrounding Messi's challenge against Algeria and VAR decisions in knockout matches against Egypt and Switzerland fuelled widespread debate online.

Yet the defending champions answered on the pitch once again.

England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Argentina responded late through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, with Messi providing assists for both goals to seal a 2-1 comeback and book another World Cup final appearance.

The victory continued a trend seen throughout Argentina's title defence—finding decisive moments under pressure rather than dominating every match from start to finish.

Three numbers behind Argentina's run

Instead of relying on opinion, Argentina's recent record provides context:
  • 2 consecutive FIFA World Cup finals reached.
  • 4 years of sustained success highlighted by Messi.
  • 2 assists from Messi against England to help overturn a 1-0 deficit.
    • Historical comparison also strengthens Messi's argument. Argentina have now matched one of the rarest achievements in international football by reaching back-to-back World Cup finals, something only a handful of nations have managed in the modern era.

    Messi remembers Diego Maradona after England victory

    Messi also used the occasion to honour Diego Maradona.

    The semi-final against England carried extra emotional significance because it came almost four decades after Maradona's iconic 1986 World Cup quarter-final against the same opponents.

    Reflecting on that connection, Messi dedicated the victory to Argentina's late football legend.

    "Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there because today was a very special day for him; to be able to give him this joy and for him to experience it however he wants from up there. Let him enjoy it because it's a gift for him too."

    The tribute added another layer to a match already rich in historical significance for Argentine football supporters.

    STATS

    MatchArgentina 2-1 England (FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-final)
    2 assistsMessi contribution
    World Cup finalsArgentina reached their second consecutive final
    EnglandOpponent in semi-final

    What Messi's comments mean before the World Cup final

    Messi's intervention shifts attention from officiating debates back to Argentina's performances. Rather than engaging with individual refereeing decisions, he framed the discussion around sustained excellence over four years and the consistency required to reach consecutive World Cup finals.

    Whether his comments end the controversy remains uncertain. Argentina will now prepare for another World Cup final carrying both momentum and scrutiny. The next match will inevitably bring fresh debate over performances, refereeing and legacy.

    One number will define the story next: can Argentina turn a second consecutive World Cup final into another title?