Messi Answers Argentina Critics Ahead of World Cup Final vs. Spain

Lionel Messi defended Argentina against accusations of receiving favorable officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating 'nothing was handed' to the team after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinal, when they trailed 1-0 entering the 85th minute. Argentina will face unbeaten Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The defending champions' path to the final has drawn scrutiny due to multiple late comebacks, including needing extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland, and erasing a 2-0 deficit in their last 11 minutes in another match.