World Cup ‘rigged’ say furious fans as Argentina break Egyptian hearts | Football | Sport

Argentina, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, remain one of the biggest attractions at this summer’s World Cup. During their round of 16 tie against Egypt in Atlanta, supporters claimed FIFA were covertly manipulating proceedings to keep one of its prized assets in the competition. Before Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 fightback was sealed, the reigning World Cup holders were trailing.

Losing 1-0 against Egypt following an early penalty miss from Messi, Mostafa Ziko thought he had doubled their lead in the second half. However, following jubilant Egyptian celebrations, referee Francois Letexier was summoned by VAR to examine a possible infringement in the build-up. After considerable protest from the Argentine players, Lisandro Martinez was deemed to have been illegally brought down in the build-up.

The offence, though, took place more than 20 seconds before Ziko found the net past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Egypt and Ziko eventually registered their second goal six minutes later, but it arrived amid a torrent of criticism online, especially on X (formerly Twitter).

“This tournament is rigged. Corruption at display, robbing Egypt of the goal,” one supporter said, while another wrote: “Rigged like always.”

A third user claimed: “The World Cup is rigged for Messi.”

Shortly afterwards, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner unleashed a stunning volley to draw Argentina level.

The winning goal sparked a melee on the touchline, with a number of Egypt staff members absolutely furious that a penalty wasn’t given just beforehand.

Mohamed Salah went down in the Argentina box as possession was turned over, but the referee wasn’t interested and play was allowed to continue with no VAR intervention.

One of Egypt’s coaches was shown a red card in the aftermath and responded by venturing onto the pitch and trying to remonstrate with several Argentina players.

Hamdi Fathy, Mostafa Shobeir and head coach Hossam Hassan were also booked during the unsavoury scenes that unfolded.