- Home >
- Soccer >
- FIFA World Cup >
- Lionel Messi Fires Back at Argentina Critics: “No One Has Given Us Anything”
Lionel Messi Fires Back at Argentina Critics: “No One Has Given Us Anything”
Argentina's captain praised his team's resilience after booking a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
After leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, Lionel Messi delivered a message to those who have questioned the national team’s success, with some critics claiming La Albiceleste has received favorable treatment from referees and FIFA.
MESSI'S WORDS
After Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the intense semifinal at Atlanta Stadium, Messi could not leave without addressing whether his team truly deserved to reach the biggest match of the tournament, where they will look to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
For context, the Argentine star also referred to what happened during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when La Albiceleste faced similar criticism over claims of favorable treatment.
“Four years ago, we achieved what we wanted: to play the final match and be the best team in the world for four years. Once again, we have proven that no one gives us anything, and we have placed ourselves among the two best teams in the world again,” Messi said in the mixed zone.
WHAT MATTERS MOST TO MESSI
Used to facing criticism, Messi remains focused on what matters most: bringing joy to the Argentine people and enjoying football. The Rosario native is only thinking about winning and competing once again for the sport’s biggest prize, leaving aside the controversy surrounding Argentina and himself.
“I’m once again very proud to be able to bring joy to the entire Argentine nation. It was just a football match... we wanted to get the victory and reach a World Cup final.”
Messi highlighted Argentina’s ability to come from behind once again, after also producing a comeback victory against Egypt in the Round of 16. The captain praised his team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity throughout the tournament, having battled through difficult matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and now England.
“We’re happy to have done it again, and especially in the way we did it, when everything was against us. With composure, with football, with desire. This group has once again shown what it is capable of doing,” he added.
“Now it’s time to enjoy this moment with my teammates. This group doesn’t owe anyone anything. We have proven that we always give everything we have and that we have brought immense joy to the Argentine people over all these years. Reaching another World Cup final, with what that means for Argentinians... Whatever happens, we must value this journey. As always, the rest is in God’s hands,” Messi concluded.
