Lionel Messi rejected claims that match officials are showing bias toward Argentina after multiple controversial decisions in their FIFA World Cup win against England.
On Wednesday, in a heated encounter in Atlanta, Argentina rallied to secure a dramatic late 2-1 win against England. The Three Lions grabbed the lead through Anthony Gordon, but a defensive approach backfired as Enzo Fernandez leveled from range before Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina's progression.
In the World Cup Final, La Albiceleste will face Spain with Messi and his teammates pursuing consecutive titles - an accomplishment last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962. For some, Argentina are the frontrunners due to their quality and experience. For others, it's the preferential treatment from officials that might push them across the finish line, as per The Mirror US.
During the World Cup, Messi and Argentina have benefited from several questionable decisions. The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient avoided a sending-off in the tournament opener against Algeria, while Egypt formally lodged a protest with FIFA regarding the refereeing in their contentious 3-2 Round of 16 exit.
In the quarterfinals, Switzerland similarly described the officiating as "one-sided" and "baffling" after a 3-1 defeat in a match where the European nation seemed poised for an upset before an unusual - though warranted - dismissal. The contentious semifinal victory featured questionable moments, including a strike by Fernandez to the rear of Elliot Anderson's head and an ignored foul on Djed Spence preceding Argentina's decisive goal.
Despite the evidence, Messi is not focusing on the officiating. He believes Argentina is in the World Cup Final on merit as the nation chases a fourth title.
"Let people keep enjoying it,' Messi said after Argentina's win over England. "What this group has achieved is incredible – another final, we've come back to be world champions, we're the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what they say.
"This proves that what we did wasn't by chance and that nobody gave us anything. Reaching two World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it.
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"This group doesn't surprise me. I know and we knew what we were capable of. People out there had doubts, but when this group comes together and is united, it finds what it doesn't have to give its all."
The 39-year-old maintained Argentina felt assured heading into the match and secured victory for their supporters back home. He added: "We are proud and happy to be able to give this to the people, we know that the World Cups are special for us.
"We forget all the bad things we have to go through, there are people who have a hard time, who don't have a job, who don't make ends meet, it's our life, what we've always had to deal with, it's beautiful to be able to give this joy to them.
"We Argentinians always demand more. If we had lost to England today, there would have been people saying stupid things, and we didn't give them the chance... we knew that we were better than them at football, but it's still special because of everything it means."
Argentina takes on Spain in the World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
