Lionel Messi Hits back at critics who questioned Argentina’s promotion fifa world cup final, insisting that the defending champions won everything through their performance and not because of favorable officiating or outside influences.Argentina came from 1-0 down in the 85th minute to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final to advance to the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.The victory sparked celebrations in Buenos Aires, with thousands of fans filling the streets as Argentina moved within a victory of retaining the World Cup title.It was also another comeback in a tournament where Lionel Scaloni’s side have found their way back into the competition on several occasions. Argentina, which had previously defeated Cape Verde and Switzerland in overtime, came back from 2-0 down with 11 minutes left to beat Egypt 3-2.However, these victories also brought criticism. Coaches from Switzerland and Egypt questioned the referee’s decision after the defeat. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan even claimed that his team was on the wrong side of a football system that favored Messi and Argentina.The complaints have fueled criticism from some fans who believe the World Cup group stage has been favorable to Argentina, while unfounded claims have circulated on social media suggesting FIFA wants the defending champions to defend their title.Messi rejected the suggestions after the win over England.“We have been the best for the last four years, whether you like it or not and no matter what others say,” Messi said after the win over England.“We are once again among the top two in the world. This proves that nothing we do is a fluke and nothing is handed to us.”Argentina has so far largely failed to respond to accusations of favoritism. Coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier advised reporters to “not use social media too much” when asked about the issue at a previous press conference.But after reaching another World Cup final, the defending champions decided to respond.Messi said: “Reaching the finals of two consecutive World Cups is something that few people can achieve, and this team has done it.” “If we lost to England, some people would come out and talk nonsense, but we did not give them a chance.”The semi-final against England also revived one of football’s most historic rivalries, one defined not only by the sport but also by the dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas Islands.The British government on Thursday urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrated victory by posing with banners handed to them by supporters that read “Argentinians, Sons of Las Malvinas” – “Malvinas is Argentina”.Midfielder Enzo Fernandez admits his celebration after Argentina’s equalizer sent a message to his team’s critics.The Chelsea player first put his hands over his ears and then repeatedly opened and closed his fingers, a gesture widely seen in football circles as telling critics to keep talking.“There was a lot of buzz, a mix of excitement and frustration,” Fernandez said.
