By Nokwanda Ncwane
Argentina captain Lionel Messi says his side has earned its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final through hard work, dismissing suggestions that the international football federation has favoured the defending champions throughout the tournament.
Conspiracy theories circulated widely on social media following Argentina’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Egypt, with some fans alleging that refereeing decisions favoured Lionel Scaloni’s side.
The controversy centred on a disallowed Egyptian goal, with critics claiming the decision influenced the outcome of the match. Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to score three unanswered goals and secure a place in the semi-finals.
Speaking on the eve of the match against Switzerland, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the criticism but said his players use it as motivation.
“The thing is that there’s probably a lot more people who don’t want us to win, maybe because we won the last one. The players know about this and we use it as a sort of rebellion. They respond by playing even better,” Scaloni told reporters.
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup final on Wednesday after scoring a dramatic late winner in the closing stages of their semi-final.
Speaking after the victory, Messi defended his team’s achievements, saying their consistent success over the past four years speaks for itself.
“Whoever it upsets, whatever they say, this team has shown it on the pitch. No one gives us anything for free. We played with pride, heart and football. We completed a comeback. I’m happy and proud,” Messi said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added that Argentina’s consistency at major tournaments demonstrates the quality of the squad.
“We’ve been the best team over the last four years. We’ve reached five finals in a row, including two World Cup finals.”
Argentina are the defending FIFA World Cup champions, having won the 2022 tournament in Qatar after defeating France on penalties in one of the most memorable finals in the competition’s history. The victory ended the country’s 36-year wait for a third World Cup title and cemented Messi’s international legacy.
The South Americans will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final on 19 July, marking the first time the two nations have met in a FIFA World Cup final.
The match is expected to be one of the tournament’s biggest spectacles, with much of the attention focused on veteran captain Messi and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Argentina will be aiming to retain their World Cup crown, while Spain will be seeking to add another title to the one they won in 2010.
