Lionel Messi’s ‘lucky referee’? FIFA names England squad to face Argentina sparks new controversy Football News
The referee appointed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina on Wednesday found himself in the spotlight before the ball had even been kicked off. Moroccan-American official Ismail Elfat will be at Atlanta Stadium for the high-profile match, adding another important game to his growing resume. The 44-year-old referee will be officiating his fourth game at the World Cup, having already officiated Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay and Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16. The mission also led to an interesting subplot involving the Argentinian captain Lionel Messi. Elfas has participated in several important matches against the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in recent years, leading some fans on social media to point out the unusual coincidence. During 2022 fifa world cup In Qatar, Elfat served as the fourth official in the final between Argentina and France, where Messi scored twice and led the national team to victory in a penalty shootout. A year later, Elfas refereed the 2023 League Cup final, in which Messi scored Inter Miami’s only goal against Nashville SC before the MLS club lifted the trophy in another penalty shootout. His record in MLS has also attracted attention. Elfas refereed four Inter Miami games involving Messi, with the Florida club winning each one. The statistics sparked speculation online, with some supporters claiming Elfat was Messi’s “lucky” referee. However, there is no evidence that the official showed any preference for the Argentine star or any other player. The appointment comes amid Argentina’s knockout games against Egypt and Switzerland, which sparked fierce debate over refereeing decisions. Egypt’s defeat was canceled out while Switzerland’s Brel Embolo was sent off after VAR intervention, sparking criticism from players and officials after both games. The controversy also sparked conspiracy theories on social media claiming FIFA favored Argentina during Messi’s final World Cup. Football’s governing bodies have consistently rejected the proposals. FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina recently defended match officials, stressing that referees work independently and cannot be influenced by external pressure. He also warned that baseless accusations could expose officers and their families to abuse and threats, insisting that every decision was made in good faith. From a football perspective, Elfas is known for his harsh disciplinary approach. He has already shown eight yellow cards and one red card in three games at the 2026 World Cup, suggesting both England and Argentina can expect a tightly controlled campaign. The semi-finals are of great significance for both countries. England are competing for their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966, while defending champions Argentina are aiming for a second successive final and Messi continues to bid for another world title.
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