Lionel Messi, the star player of Argentina, addressed criticism directed at the national team regarding perceived officiating bias and favouritism in their favour during the World Cup, according to ESPN.
He firmly stated, "Nothing was handed to us," emphasising that their victories stem from championship skills, not external assistance.
Messi cited the team's dramatic comeback from a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 semifinal win against England, which propelled them to the World Cup final.
This triumph sparked massive celebrations among fans in Buenos Aires, reflecting the team's resolve and capability as they vie for back-to-back titles against Spain in the upcoming final.
Earlier in the tournament, Argentina showcased their resilience by defeating Cape Verde and Switzerland in matches that extended into extra time, and they orchestrated a remarkable comeback, winning 3-2 against Egypt despite being down 2-0 with only 11 minutes remaining in regulation.
However, critiques emerged from the coaches of Egypt and Switzerland, suggesting that their teams were victimised by a football establishment favouring Messi and Argentina, which in turn intensified criticism from fans who believe Argentina's draw was intentionally advantageous.
Messi countered the backlash by asserting their dominance over the past four years, stating, "We've been the best... no matter what anyone says."
His remarks assert that their impressive performance, which places them among the world's top two teams, is the result of hard work and determination, countering the notion that their success has come through mere luck or external favouritism.
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