Egypt accuse Fifa of fixing World Cup after Messi inspires Argentina comeback from 2-0 down

Egypt have accused Fifa of “fixing” the World Cup after Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning 3-2 comeback victory in Atlanta, overturning a 2-0 deficit to reach the quarter-finals and eliminating the Africans in a match mired in controversy.

Egypt winger Mostafa Zico, whose goal was ruled out by VAR during the defeat, was unequivocal in his verdict. “The referee was really not fair,” he said. “It is clear that this tournament has been fixed. But God is sufficient for us.” Manager Hossam Hassan went further, suggesting Fifa had a vested interest in keeping the defending champions in the competition.

The flashpoint centred on a foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal — a penalty Egypt felt should have been awarded but was not. The denial proved decisive, and Egypt’s exit was confirmed alongside the broader completion of the last-eight draw, with Switzerland claiming the final quarter-final spot after beating Colombia on penalties.

The on-field drama has, however, been competing for attention with a significant off-field controversy. Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing calls to resign over the apparent intervention of US President Donald Trump in the suspension of the eligibility ban for American striker Folarin Balogun — a row that has rumbled through the tournament’s final group-stage days and shows no sign of abating.

Argentina’s quarter-final place means the defending champions continue their bid for back-to-back World Cup titles, with Messi once again central to their revival when the stakes were highest.