It has become a sort of a ritual for Argentina now. Concede the lead or an equaliser and then fight for their lives and snatch a thrilling win amid refereeing controversies. They did it against Cabo Verde (3-2) in the Round of 32, against Egypt (3-2) in the Round of 16, and then against Switzerland (3-1) in the quarterfinal.
The semifinal against England – who clinched a comeback win of their own against Norway (2-1) in the quarters – was no different for la Albiceleste. Down by a clinical finish from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, Argentina just shifted gears and brought on wave after wave of crosses into the England box. The pressure finally cracked open the English defence, with Enzo Fernandes scoring with a superb right footer from outside the box in the 85th minute, and substitute Lautaro Martinez heading home the winner two minutes into injury time. Argentine skipper Lionel Messi provided both the assists.
However, netizens were quick to claim a possible offside in the build-up to Argentina’s first goal. Messi took a short corner, and after a one-two with Rodrigo de Paul, laid it on for Fernandes, who shot an absolute screamer to the right of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. There was possibly a quick VAR check before referee Ismail Elfath waved play on.
Social media erupted soon after as netizens pointed out that there was no graphic VAR confirmation of whether Messi was onside or offside, adding to allegations of earlier instances when VAR turned a “blind eye” when Argentina stood to gain from it.
Others, however, pointed out that the grass lines on the field indicated that Messi was in an onside position.
Some X users also pointed out that Julian Alvarez, too, was in an offside position when Messi played the cross for the winning goal.
Argentina’s run to the semifinal has been marked by complaints from opponents and fans alike over refereeing decisions favouring the defending champions.
The most glaring "miss" came in the match against Algeria when Messi was not even cautioned despite stamping on the calf of Algerian captain Aissa Mandi. Messi went on to score a hat-trick.
Argentina will now play Spain in the final on July 20 (12.30am IST) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They are now one game away from becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Meanwhile, England will take on France for the third place on July 19 (2.30am IST) in Miami.
