Argentina captain Lionel Messi has firmly rejected accusations that FIFA has favoured the reigning champions during their march to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting his side have earned every success on merit.
The 39-year-old made the remarks after inspiring Argentina to a 2-1 semi-final victory over England on Wednesday, providing assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez as the holders overturned an early deficit to book a final showdown with Spain.
Argentina’s progress through the knockout rounds has been overshadowed by claims of favourable officiating, with both Egypt and Switzerland lodging complaints to FIFA following controversial defeats to the South Americans.
However, Messi dismissed the allegations, insisting Argentina’s achievements are the result of hard work, unity and quality rather than preferential treatment.
“Let people keep talking,” Messi said after the match.
“What this group has achieved is incredible—another World Cup final. We came back as world champions and we have shown we are the best team in the world over these four years, whether people like it or not.
“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 attempt to defend their world title when they face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final, while England will take on France in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
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