Argentina has been at the center of both comebacks and controversies during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Lionel Messi did not receive a card for a challenge against Algeria’s Aissa Mandi in their opening match, which led to a public outcry.

In the Round of 16, Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt, prompting Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, to criticize the officiating as ‘unfair.’ Mostafa Zico, an Egyptian player, even suggested that the tournament was fixed. Switzerland’s head coach, Murat Yakin, echoed similar sentiments after Argentina’s quarterfinal victory over his team.

Messi, now 39 years old, ignored the critiques following Argentina’s victory against England in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. He dismissed claims of FIFA favoritism towards Argentina, emphasizing the team’s impressive skill level, which he claimed to have maintained for four years. Argentina’s comeback win over England, according to Messi, proved their merit on the field. He stated, “Whoever it upsets, whatever they say, this team has shown that on the pitch, no one gives us anything for free.” He also expressed his happiness and pride in bringing joy to their supporters.

On Instagram, Messi celebrated the final berth with a post: “WE’RE IN THE FINAL!!!!!” which garnered over 3 million likes within an hour. During the match, England initially led with Anthony Gordon’s goal. However, Argentina, known for their late-match determination, equalized with Enzo Fernandez’s long shot in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martinez secured the victory with a stoppage-time header. Messi assisted both of these crucial goals.

Participating in his sixth World Cup, Messi has achieved eight goals and four assists, tying with France’s Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot. However, Messi leads due to his higher assist count. Over recent weeks, he has become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 21 goals and the leader in assists with 12.

Messi is now preparing for his third World Cup final appearance, with Argentina seeking their seventh overall and aiming to be the third nation to win consecutive World Cups. Italy and Brazil are the only nations to have achieved this in 1934-38 and 1958-62, respectively. Argentina will face Spain, a formidable team that has only conceded one goal this tournament, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19.

Meanwhile, France and England will compete for third place in Miami on Saturday, July 18.