Argentina’s Lionel Messi firmly rejected claims of favoritism and external assistance as his team reached the 2026 World Cup final, asserting that Argentina earned their spot purely on merit. Speaking after their victory over England in Atlanta, Messi addressed critics who have questioned the fairness of Argentina’s path to the final.

According to TV9 Bangla, controversy has surrounded Argentina since the tournament began, with social media awash in allegations that FIFA rigged matches or was determined to see Argentina win. The debates started after a tough tackle by Messi in their first match against Algeria and intensified following a VAR decision in the Egypt versus Argentina game. Critics accused referees of bias favoring Argentina.

However, Messi dismissed these claims, stating, "Whether people like it or not, for the past four years we have been one of the best teams in the world. We are one of the top two teams globally, and playing in two consecutive World Cup finals is not easy. No one helped us; we earned this right ourselves." He highlighted Argentina's resilience after initially trailing due to an Anthony Gordon goal, praising his team’s comeback.

Reflecting on the win over England, Messi said, "If we had lost to England, many would have talked a lot. But we didn’t give anyone that chance." He also honored the late Diego Maradona, saying, "Diego is surely enjoying this victory from above. Today is a special day for him as well, and we are proud to give him this joy." Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final this Sunday, with a chance to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.

Why this matters

Messi’s firm rebuttal of the criticism underscores the intense scrutiny and pressure top teams face during major international tournaments. This narrative also highlights Argentina’s determination to solidify their legacy by winning back-to-back World Cups, a feat not achieved in six decades. The upcoming final against Spain is poised to be a historic showdown that could redefine international football records.

As Argentina prepares for the final, the team's focus remains on their performance rather than external distractions, emphasizing sportsmanship and competitive spirit on the world stage.