‘Nobody gave us anything’: Lionel Messi hits back at critics after Argentina reach World Cup final

The Statesman - Lionel Messi has dismissed claims that Argentina have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions at the FIFA World Cup, insisting their place in a second successive final is the result of sustained excellence rather than luck or outside help.

Argentina came from behind to defeat England in Atlanta, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late after Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions a 55th-minute lead. Messi set up both goals as the defending champions booked their place in another World Cup final.

The victory, however, did little to silence criticism surrounding Argentina’s campaign, with some observers alleging that controversial refereeing decisions have worked in the team’s favour throughout the tournament.

Messi rejected those suggestions, saying Argentina’s consistency over the past four years speaks for itself.

“It hurts whoever it hurts… We’ve been the best for the last four years, whether people like it or not, no matter what they say. Once again, we’re among the two best in the world, and that shows that everything we’ve done isn’t by chance and nobody gave us anything. Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said.

The Argentina captain also claimed that a defeat to England would have only fuelled further criticism.

“If we had lost to England, people would have come out and said some nonsense, and we didn’t give them the chance. We knew that we were better than them in terms of football, but a lot is at stake in a match of this magnitude, where historic events happen in these games,” he added.

Messi also dedicated the victory to the late Diego Maradona, whose iconic performances against England remain one of the defining moments in World Cup history.

“Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there because today was a very special day for him; to be able to give him this joy and for him to experience it however he wants from up there. Let him enjoy it because it’s a gift for him too,” Messi said.