Argentina pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 World Cup, but the qualification against Egypt was not free of controversy.
The moment that sparked the discussion came when Egypt scored a goal that seemed to put La Albiceleste on the ropes. The African players celebrated euphorically, but the joy lasted only a few seconds: VAR called referee François Letexier and, after reviewing the play, he decided to disallow the goal for a prior foul at the start of the move.
The decision caused outrage among Egyptian fans and opened up a huge debate. Many questioned how an infringement that occurred far from the scoring area could wipe out a goal that seemed valid, while others argued that the rules allow intervention when there is a foul during the attacking phase.
But the controversy did not end there.
On social media, thousands of users began recalling another play that had generated discussion during the World Cup: a heavy challenge by Messi on an opponent that, according to some fans, could have meant a red card and ultimately was not punished with a sending-off.
That was enough for comments to appear accusing FIFA of giving preferential treatment to the Argentine captain, while others replied that these are subjective refereeing decisions that happen in every match.
The truth is that Argentina ended up advancing after an epic comeback, but the debate remained: for some, VAR delivered justice; for others, it was once again at the center of a controversy involving the tournament’s most famous player.