The officiating was weak and biased — that much has to be acknowledged. Argentina was caught in a storm; almost everything was thrown into chaos. Messi failed to score from the penalty spot, having also missed a penalty against Austria earlier in this tournament. Five goals were scored in the match. Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim scored the first, and Mostafa Zizo the second. Dramatic incidents preceded that too — one Egyptian goal was disallowed, leaving football fans around the world stunned. French star Mbappe reportedly just smiled at the provocation on the pitch, according to media reports. But why? You’ve likely already guessed — the goal was disallowed over a foul claim just 20 seconds after it went in, a decision many called laughable and shameful. The referee’s call has already sparked widespread debate on the World Cup stage and beyond. Many on social media said this wasn’t Argentina but “Vir-gentina.” In any case, Argentina scored twice within five minutes to turn the match around — Messi scored directly, and Romero scored off his assist. Messi has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches. The match’s fate was decided in stoppage time with a goal that has sparked controversy of its own, since the referee overlooked a clear foul on Egyptian star Salah and did not even send it for review — which many found unbelievable. There are allegations that Egypt lost to refereeing trickery, without which the match may not have generated such controversy. After Mostafa Zizo’s goal was disallowed, it was clear something else might be at play. History reminds us — no Ronaldo, no Brazil in this World Cup, so what’s left? If Argentina had gone out too, the tournament’s excitement would have taken a hit. Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had truly stood like a pyramid — one that was ultimately toppled by an invisible force. Through this, a controversial chapter has been written into World Cup history. The World Cup isn’t just about the game — the business side matters too. Will FIFA take that risk this time? Egypt had come to four previous World Cups; this is their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage. By the numbers, Egypt lost — but by conscience, they were the real winners. After the match, Messi was once again the center of attention. He has, one could say, ruled football for two decades. He is now at the tail end of his career. Last week, between two wins, he celebrated his 39th birthday. Amid questions about how his countless fans are savoring their idol’s final World Cup, Messi himself appeared visibly worried watching Egypt’s rise. After Egypt’s first goal, he lay face down staring at the grass — this grass, this pitch, this stadium are his strength, his courage. Debate continues over who will be named the tournament’s best player — Lamine Yamal, the Spanish teenager? Kylian Mbappe, football’s high-speed Bugatti? Erling Haaland, Norway’s goal-scoring giant? Britain’s Harry Kane? The answer comes on July 19. Some unsavory scenes unfolded just before the match ended, with the referee making several erratic decisions, brandishing red and yellow cards both on and off the pitch — tarnishing the beauty of the game and raising heated questions.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report