‘Nothing is given to Argentina’: Lionel Messi unloads on claims of favoritism | Football News

Lionel Messi hit back at critics who questioned Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup Finally, insist that the defending champion earned everything through their performances and not because of favorable officiating or outside influence.Argentina came from 1-0 down after the 85th minute to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal and book a place in the final, where they face Spain on Sunday.The victory sparked celebrations across Buenos Aires, with thousands of fans filling the streets as Argentina moved within a victory of winning back-to-back World Cups.It was also a return to a tournament where Lionel Scaloni’s team repeatedly found a way back into the games. Argentina earlier beat Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time and came back from 2-0 down with 11 minutes left to beat Egypt 3-2.Those victories, however, also brought criticism. Coaches from Switzerland and Egypt questioned the refereeing decisions after their defeats. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan admits his side are on the wrong end of a football establishment that favors Messi and Argentina.The complaints fueled criticism from some fans, who argued that the World Cup bracket benefited Argentina, while unfounded claims circulated on social media suggesting FIFA wanted the defending champions to retain the title.Messi rejected the suggestions after the win against England.“We were the best in the last four years, whether you like it or not, and no matter what anyone says,” Messi said after the win over England.“Once again, we established ourselves between the top two teams in the world. That proves that everything we did was for nothing and nothing was given to us.”So far, most of Argentina has avoided responding to allegations of favoritism. Coach Lionel Scaloni has previously advised journalists “not to consume too much social media” when asked about the issue in previous press conferences.But after reaching another World Cup final, the reigning champions decided to respond.“Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is something very few achieve, and this group has done it,” Messi said. “When we lost to England, there were people who came out to say nonsense, but we didn’t give them a chance.”The semifinal against England also revived one of football’s longest-running rivalries, one shaped not only by the game but also by the dispute over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina.On Thursday, the British government urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after the players celebrated the victory by posing with a banner handed out by supporters that read, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – “The Malvinas are Argentina.”Midfielder Enzo Fernandez admitted that his celebration after scoring an equalizer in Argentina carried a message for the team’s critics.The Chelsea player first held his hands over his ears before repeatedly opening and closing his fingers, a gesture widely seen in football as telling critics to keep talking.“There’s been a lot of talk; it’s a mix of joy and frustration,” Fernandez said.