‘FIFA Wanted Messi to Stay’: Egypt Coach Sparks Fresh World Cup Controversy After Argentina Loss

‘FIFA Wanted Messi to Stay’: Egypt Coach Alleges Bias After Argentina’s Dramatic World Cup Comeback

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked controversy by alleging that FIFA wanted Lionel Messi and Argentina to remain in the FIFA World Cup after his side suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.

Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest upsets of the tournament after racing to a 2-0 lead and controlling much of the contest. However, Argentina staged a remarkable late comeback, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring three goals in 13 minutes to overturn the deficit and seal a place in the quarter-finals.

After the match, Hassan claimed Egypt had been the better team but suggested the outcome was influenced by factors beyond football.

“We were better than the reigning champions in every aspect, but the result was affected by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it,” Hassan said.

“Perhaps they wanted the defending champions to stay in the tournament. Perhaps they wanted Messi to continue. Sometimes football is influenced by factors that go beyond the technical side. The world champions received support at every level.”

VAR Decisions Trigger Egypt’s Anger

Egypt’s frustration centered on several controversial refereeing decisions. The biggest flashpoint came in the 59th minute when Mostafa Ziko’s goal was ruled out following a VAR review.

The Egyptians also believed Mohamed Salah should have been awarded a penalty after going down inside the box. In addition, they argued Alexis Mac Allister committed a foul in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner, but VAR did not intervene.

“There seemed to be pressure in Argentina’s favour,” Hassan said. “We had already objected to the referee’s appointment, and during the match we felt there was no fairness. A clear penalty wasn’t even reviewed, while our second goal was disallowed. We felt we were denied justice.”

‘I’ll Never Watch the World Cup Again’

Speaking later to beIN Sports, Hassan intensified his criticism, saying he confronted the referee after the final whistle.

“I told the referee that what happened wasn’t fair. Argentina didn’t deserve to win,” he said.

“When I return home, I won’t watch the World Cup again because I don’t believe there is justice in this competition.”

The Egypt coach had earlier been shown a yellow card during the match after protesting a refereeing decision from the technical area.

Hassan’s comments are likely to draw attention from FIFA, with the governing body expected to review his post-match remarks. His allegations have already sparked widespread debate over the officiating in Argentina’s dramatic victory.