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The triumph of Argentina over England and their path to the 2026 World Cup final has given people a lot to talk about and generated controversy in every corner of the internet. After the semifinal match, Lionel Messi gave his statement regarding comments suggesting that FIFA and Gianni Infantino have favored him throughout the tournament.
According to the player, considered by his fans as "the best in the world," he highlighted the work of the 'Albiceleste' during the 90 minutes of play against England, in addition to highlighting his participation in the World Cup, during which he has faced criticism for being favored, and his championship in 2022.
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"It is crazy what this group is achieving today, incredible. It's five finals in a row; it's a world final again. We come from being world champions, from being the best over the last four years, and from putting ourselves among the top two again," he pointed out in a meeting with the sports press.
"Whether they like it or not, and no matter what they say, this group proves that, on the field, nobody gives them anything. That it competes and goes to look for the matches with a lot of self-respect, with gameplay, because today we played a great game," he added, noting that he was happy to have beaten England and to give joy to the Argentinians.
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In most of the matches played by the Argentine national team, it was commented that the refereeing was manipulated and corrupt in order to favor Messi and thus advance him to the final.
The coach of Egypt said publicly that their match was "rigged" and "unfair" and questioned FIFA as to why they organize such a soccer competition if they are going to end up giving the cup to Argentina.
"The world champions receive support from everywhere, support and marketing," commented coach Hossam Hassan in a press conference following Egypt's defeat.
Speculations about fraud on the part of FIFA have also been commented on in matches against Cape Verde, Jordan, Switzerland, and Algeria, in the latter especially because it was alleged that a red card should have been given to Messi.
Within the context of these inconsistencies, reported by various teams and made visible on social media as corruption and fraud, it is speculated that Infantino and FIFA are taking Argentina to the final against Spain for economic and marketing reasons, since Messi is one of the players who generates the most money for the tournament in general and who makes the federation the most.
It is estimated that the main business linking the federation and the Argentine are sponsorship contracts, especially with Adidas, a brand with which FIFA has a contract of up to 800 million dollars and Messi, a lifetime contract of one billion.
[Publicidad]