Messi fires back at FIFA bias claims ahead of final

Lionel Messi has broken his silence on allegations of FIFA favoritism toward Argentina, telling critics that "nothing was handed to us" after his team's dramatic comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. Argentina now face Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a chance to win back-to-back titles.

A Defiant Message

Messi's comments, reported by ESPN on Wednesday after Argentina's 2-1 semifinal win over England in Atlanta, were his most direct response to weeks of criticism from opposing coaches and fans who have alleged beneficial officiating and a favorable bracket for the defending champions.espn+1

"We've been the best over these past four years, either you like it or not, and no matter what anyone says," Messi said. "Once again, we've established ourselves among the top two teams in the world. That proves that everything we've done is no fluke and that nothing was handed to us."espn

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner added: "Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is something very few achieve, and this group did it. If we had lost to England, there would have been people coming out to spout some nonsense, but we didn't give them the chance."sports.ndtv+1

Mounting Criticism Throughout the Tournament

The accusations intensified after Argentina survived a series of close calls in the knockout rounds. Switzerland coach Murat Yakin complained about refereeing after his team's extra-time loss, and Egypt's Football Association said it "cannot remain silent" after alleging biased officiating in their quarterfinal defeat. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan went as far as saying the soccer establishment favored Messi and Argentina.espn

Coach Lionel Scaloni also pushed back after the semifinal, saying: "This talk of 'help' will always exist; it doesn't bother me. With VAR today, it's very difficult to get help; it would have to be glaringly obvious. We knew there was no help."espn

Sunday's Final Awaits

Argentina's semifinal victory came courtesy of two goals in the final minutes — Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute and substitute Lautaro Martínez heading home a Messi cross in stoppage time. Fernández acknowledged his goal celebration, cupping his hands to his ears, was directed at critics.espn+2

Argentina will face Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, as they bid to become only the fourth team in history to win consecutive World Cup titles.cnn+1