Football’s governing body, FIFA, is giving Lionel Messi extra favours — so some allege, claiming that the Argentine superstar is scoring goal after goal courtesy of FIFA and the referees.
Although Messi set a world record against Austria, the debate around him continues, with many questioning his goals. Now fingers are being pointed at FIFA too.
Against Austria, Messi missed a penalty in the first half but still scored, the goal with which he broke Miroslav Klose’s record for the most goals. But that goal, some allege, was the fruit of a foul.
Their claim is that Alexis Mac Allister fouled Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager to win the ball and passed it to Messi; Messi played it to Facundo Medina; Medina crossed from the flank into the box; and Messi scored on the run. Although the Austria players appealed for a foul, the referee did not respond, it is alleged.
On the matter, the former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said: ‘Mac Allister clearly committed a foul. The referee’s whistle should have gone before Messi even got the ball. But the referee is keeping his eyes shut. Messi and Argentina are being favoured.’
After Schmeichel’s allegation, many backed him, alleging that Messi had been favoured from the very start of this World Cup, as though FIFA had decided to hand Messi the World Cup again.
There had earlier been controversy over a Messi foul in the Algeria match, when he fouled the Algeria captain, Aissa Mandi, from behind. The referee gave the foul but showed Messi no card, and many said he should have been shown a red. Algeria also complained to FIFA about it. Now there is controversy over another foul in the following match.
Against Austria, the Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez also committed a foul, catching Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer from behind. Austria appealed for a red card, but the referee showed no card. A section of spectators have therefore alleged that Argentina are being given extra favours. FIFA, however, has made no comment on the matter.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report