Jul 16, 2026, 05:52 PM ET

Lionel Messi delivered a direct response to Argentina's critics, declaring that the team's accomplishments were not simply given to them.

The Argentina captain addressed detractors who have questioned the reigning World Cup champions regarding claims of favorable refereeing and institutional support. He highlighted the squad's repeated ability to recover from deficits, including their recent semifinal win against England, as proof of their experience and determination rather than any external advantage.

Trailing 1-0 until the 85th minute, Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup final.

The result sparked widespread celebrations across Buenos Aires, with thousands taking to the streets. It represented another dramatic recovery for a side now positioned one match from consecutive titles. Argentina will meet Spain in Sunday's final.

Earlier in the tournament, the team overcame Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time, then mounted a comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 late in regulation.

Nevertheless, the Swiss and Egyptian coaches voiced concerns over officiating decisions. Egypt's Hossam Hassan suggested his side suffered due to favoritism toward Messi and Argentina from soccer authorities.

These remarks amplified online criticism from supporters who claimed the tournament bracket benefited La Albiceleste, along with unsubstantiated social media assertions that FIFA sought another Argentina championship.

"We have been the strongest side across the last four years, whether people accept it or not," Messi said following the England match. "We have again placed ourselves among the world's top two teams. This shows our work is genuine and nothing was simply provided to us."

The Switzerland contest featured a decision that intensified debates over potential bias. After Switzerland equalized at 1-1, Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo. Video review indicated Embolo had fallen prior to contact, resulting in his dismissal due to a prior caution and leaving Switzerland with ten players.

"We faced consequences from a regulation I view as entirely unreasonable," Swiss coach Murat Yakin remarked. "It is difficult to exit in this manner. I do not believe we deserved this outcome, and my players showed true character."

The Egyptian Football Association also expressed that it could not overlook what it described as partial officiating in their defeat to Argentina.

Argentina had previously avoided direct comment on these issues. Coach Lionel Scaloni had suggested in earlier sessions that reporters limit their focus on social media discussions.

Following the England victory, the champions offered their perspective.

"Advancing to two straight World Cup finals is a rare feat achieved by this group," Messi noted. "A loss to England might have prompted further unfounded remarks, yet we prevented that opportunity."

Enzo Fernandez indicated his equalizer celebration targeted the team's critics, first gesturing toward his ears before mimicking ongoing commentary with his hands.

"There had been considerable discussion, blending excitement and irritation," Fernandez explained.

Scaloni added after the semifinal that questions of assistance persist but do not concern him, noting VAR makes obvious favoritism nearly impossible. "We understood no such help existed," he stated.