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Argentina have faced criticism from some quarters for allegedly receiving favourable treatment from referees during the World Cup.

Lionel Messi has strongly rejected suggestions of referee bias following Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

The South American champions produced a stunning late comeback on Wednesday night in Atlanta to secure their place in a second consecutive World Cup final. Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez overturned Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike for England.

The match, which was heated at times, saw referee Ismail Elfath initially hesitate to issue yellow cards, leading to visible frustration from the England bench.

Throughout the tournament, Argentina have been accused of benefiting from questionable refereeing calls. Egypt lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after their 3-2 loss to Lionel Scaloni’s men in the round of 16. England’s discontent also grew when Elliot Anderson was shown a yellow card for a challenge in the 37th minute.

Switzerland, who were defeated by Argentina in the quarter-finals, also described the officiating as ‘one-sided’ and ‘baffling’. However, following the clash with England, Messi firmly denied that La Albiceleste had received any special treatment.

“Let people keep enjoying it,” Messi remarked.

“What this group has accomplished is unbelievable – another final. We’ve returned to become world champions; we are the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, no matter what they say.

“This shows that our success wasn’t by luck and that nothing was handed to us. Reaching two World Cup finals is something very few teams manage, and this group has done it.”

“This team doesn’t surprise me. I know what we’re capable of, and we always believed in ourselves. Others may have doubted, but when this group unites, it finds the strength to give everything.”