Messi hits back at ‘favours’ claims after firing Argentina into 2026 World Cup final

Lionel Messi has launched an explosive defence of Argentina’s integrity after leading his country to the 2026 World Cup final with a 2-1 semi-final victory over England.

The Argentina captain, who will now face Spain in Sunday’s showpiece after their 2-0 win over France, used his post-match interviews to sharply reject accusations that his team have been helped by FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the tournament.

Argentina had come under sustained criticism throughout the World Cup, with some pundits and fans alleging the world champions were benefiting from refereeing calls and institutional support. Those claims intensified as Lionel Scaloni’s side edged through the knockout rounds.

But speaking in a pointed and emotional tone after the semi-final in North America, Messi insisted Argentina’s place in another final was earned “above all on the pitch”.

“I am very proud and extremely happy that we have been able to give our Argentine people a new moment of joy,” Messi said. “It was a very special match, and none of us wanted to lose it.”

England rivalry ‘more than just a game’

The 37-year-old admitted that, despite the squad’s attempts to frame the clash with England as just another fixture, the historic and symbolic weight of the rivalry made the occasion unique.

“Although we said before the game that it was just a football match, in reality we lived it as an exceptional encounter with all the meanings it has for us,” he explained. “We are very happy to have won and to reach the World Cup final again.”

He added: “In truth what has happened is unbelievable, the way things have gone in this World Cup is incredible. To play a World Cup semi-final against England, with everything that fixture means to us as Argentines, was something very special.”

Messi stressed that the squad were determined not to be on the losing side in such a politically and emotionally charged contest.

“As I said before, although in the end it is a football match, none of us was prepared to lose because of all the symbols and dimensions that games against England carry for us, without mixing things up of course,” he said.

‘We fought for it’ – Argentina’s journey praised

Messi underlined the team’s resilience after England scored to make the game more complicated.

“We are very happy and very proud of what we have achieved once again, and of the way we snatched the victory,” he said. “We went looking for it and we fought for it, even after the result became complicated and they scored against us. We played intelligently, we worked extremely hard, and our desire and fighting spirit were clear to see.

“This group has once again shown its true character and what it is capable of doing in the toughest situations and circumstances.”

Turning point traced back to 2019

The Inter Miami forward reflected on a longer journey that he believes began with disappointment at the 2019 Copa America, when Argentina lost to Brazil in the semi-finals.

“Everything we have lived through has been amazing and hard to imagine or predict,” Messi said. “I think that since the 2019 Copa America, after our loss to Brazil in the semi-final, there has been a major transformation within this team.

“From that moment this generation began to come together and take off to achieve all the successes that followed, and we have lived unforgettable historic moments together.”

‘No-one is gifting us anything’

Away from trophies and records, Messi said the bond inside the squad is what he values most at this stage of his career.

“Beyond the language of victories and titles, the most beautiful thing is the time we share within this group and the competitive spirit that brings us together day after day,” he reflected. “I have spent many years with the national team, and now I enjoy every moment with great pride and happiness, and as I always say I am extremely grateful.”

He made clear that simply reaching another World Cup final was a central target.

“Today we achieved what we had all set our sights on, which was reaching the last match of the tournament,” he said.

Messi then directly addressed the controversy over alleged help from FIFA or referees.

“We go into the final as world champions and as the best national team over the past four years, and whoever gets angry can get angry and whoever wants to say whatever can say it,” he insisted.

“We have once again proved on the pitch that no one is gifting us anything, that we have earned our place among the best two teams in the world with full merit, and that our presence in the final for the second time in eight years is neither a coincidence nor a favour.”