‘No one gives us anything for free’
3 min readUpdated: Jul 16, 2026 07:18 AM IST Lionel Messi slammed his and Argentina’s critics after multiple allegations and claims of FIFA’s favouritism had hit their path towards reaching a second successive World Cup final on Wednesday, beating England 2-1 in Atlanta. Messi, 39, spearheaded a stunning second-half comeback, producing two assists in the space of six minutes to freeze England, who had previously taken the lead through an Anthony Gordon strike in the 55th minute. Argentina’s title defence has been shrouded in controversy from the first match itself, with a series of contentious decisions from the officials appearing to have gone in the favour of the world champions. But with the Albiceleste booking their shot at a second successive title, Messi minced no words as he brushed aside the allegations of bias during the tournament. ALSO READ | England couldn’t beat Maradona; they can’t beat Messi either Scaloni repositioned Messi, from a central, free-roaming role to the right side, his hunting zone in “It hurts whoever it hurts, and let them say whatever they …








