17 July 2026
Messi's Role in Argentina's Winning Goal Still Sparking Debate
The goal that sent Argentina to the final continues to divide opinion, with questions raised over whether a foul by Lionel Messi should have ruled it out.
The stoppage-time goal that sent Argentina past England and into the 2026 World Cup final remains a talking point a day later, with beIN Sports reporting that Lionel Messi's involvement in the build-up is at the centre of the controversy.
Lautaro Martinez's decisive strike in the 90th minute came after a passage of play involving Messi that some observers have argued should have been flagged as a foul. The debate intensified in the hours after the match as discussion spread online.
beIN Sports notes the controversy also sits within a broader conversation about whether Argentina have faced fair scrutiny during the tournament, and whether misleading content shared online has complicated any honest assessment of their campaign.
Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, with the goal debate adding extra edge to the build-up.
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