MIAMI: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has rejected allegations that FIFA has favored his team during the 2026 World Cup, insisting Argentina’s success is the result of years of hard work rather than preferential treatment.
Speaking to reporters after Argentina’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England, Messi was asked about claims on social media and elsewhere suggesting the team had benefited from biased officiating. He firmly dismissed the allegations, saying Argentina has consistently been among the world’s top teams over the past four years.
“What we’ve achieved is not a coincidence,” Messi said. “It’s the result of constant hard work and strong performances. Nobody has given us anything. We don’t get anything for free.”
Messi also dedicated Argentina’s semifinal victory to late football legend Diego Maradona, saying he believed Maradona would have been proud of the team’s achievement. He recalled Maradona’s iconic performance against England at the 1986 World Cup, describing the latest victory as a tribute to the former captain’s legacy.
Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final after securing a 2-1 win over England in the semifinals.