Egypt's dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champion Argentina has ignited fresh controversy at the FIFA World Cup after head coach Hossam Hassan accused football's governing body of favoring Lionel Messi and the reigning champions. The allegations came after Argentina erased a two-goal deficit to advance to the quarter-finals, though Hassan presented no evidence to support his claims, and FIFA has not publicly responded.
The Round of 16 clash appeared destined to become one of the tournament's biggest upsets after Egypt established a 2-0 lead and held control for much of the match. Argentina, however, mounted a rapid comeback in the closing stages, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring within a 13-minute span to keep the defending champions' title defense alive.
Speaking after the match, Hassan praised his players but argued that the outcome had been influenced by factors beyond Egypt's control. The Egypt manager suggested commercial considerations may have played a role in keeping one of football's biggest global stars in the tournament.
"We were better, but football is unfair," Hassan said in his post-match interview.
He expanded on that criticism by suggesting Argentina's status and Messi's global profile benefited the team.
"It could be a matter of marketing, they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist (in the tournament)," Hassan said.
Hassan also thanked supporters while expressing frustration over what he described as an unjust result.
"I thank my players very much. To all the Egyptians, the Arabs, the Africans, you can work hard, it's what you have to do, but sometimes there are other factors that make you struggle," he said.
Later, the Egypt coach sharpened his criticism, declaring: "Why isn't there any fairness in sport? In football? I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice."
Beyond his broader criticism of the tournament, Hassan said Egypt had objected before kickoff to the appointment of French referee François Letexier. During the match, Egyptian players and staff disputed several key decisions, including a disallowed goal while Egypt led 1-0 and a foul called against Mohamed Salah that halted what they believed was a promising attacking opportunity.
Following Enzo Fernandez's winning goal, tensions spilled over near the touchline during a confrontation involving players and coaching staff. Television footage showed Hassan raising his arms in an X-shaped gesture, which has at times been associated with allegations of racism in football. It remains unclear whether the gesture referred to a specific incident during the match or was intended as a broader protest against the officiating.
Egyptian forward Mostafa Ziko echoed his coach's frustration after the final whistle, criticizing the officiating in emotional comments.
"Referee, not fair," Ziko said. "Unjust, unjust referee. An unjust person. An injustice that is so clear."
He continued: "He's wasting the effort of an entire nation. Since the beginning of the game, we were leaving the game winning 2-0 against Argentina. But the cup has already been given."
The accusations add to longstanding online debate surrounding Argentina's recent World Cup campaigns and the prominence of Messi, who guided his country to the 2022 World Cup title and remains one of the sport's most recognizable figures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously faced criticism from some supporters who alleged favoritism toward Argentina during the tournament. However, no evidence has emerged supporting allegations of corruption, match manipulation or institutional bias involving FIFA, Infantino or match officials.
