Argentina have become the centre of heated debate following their thrilling World Cup round-of-16 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, amid sensational claims of corruption and favouritism. Yet, this time, the criticism directed at the Albiceleste seems undeserved. Trailing by two goals against the unfancied Egyptians in the second half, the defending champions fought back in miraculous fashion, overturning the deficit within 14 minutes to seal progression at the death. However, since the final whistle in Atlanta, the magnitude of their comeback has been clouded by controversy.

The aftermath has been anything but calm. Fuelled by frustration, Egypt’s camp levelled accusations of match fixing and bias towards Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi, arguing that crucial refereeing calls went against them during their late collapse.

While their anguish is understandable after letting victory slip from their grasp so painfully, Argentina’s dramatic triumph cannot be begrudged. It was the unmistakable display of champions’ determination—pure and simple.

Drama in Atlanta

The holders could scarcely have advanced in more breathtaking circumstances. Looking listless and uninspired, they appeared doomed when Mustafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute after Yasser Ibrahim’s first-half strike, compounded by another Messi penalty miss on the World Cup stage.

However, with 11 minutes remaining, the world champions suddenly roared to life. Cristian Romero, the hero from the nerve-jangling last-32 win over Cape Verde, headed in a Messi cross to pull one back. Moments later, Messi himself levelled the score, smashing the ball in off the crossbar.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez rose at the far post to nod home from Lautaro Martinez’s delivery, sealing a sensational 3-2 turnaround. The emotional victory left both Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni in tears.

‘The tournament is fixed’

Egypt’s heartbreak quickly turned into outrage. The defeat prompted an angry backlash from players and staff, who accused officials of bias and manipulation. The Egyptian FA even lodged a complaint with FIFA, demanding that the French refereeing team be expelled from the tournament.

The Egyptians were convinced Zico’s earlier goal at 1-0 was wrongly disallowed for a foul on Lisandro Martinez, and they were furious not to be awarded a penalty when Mohamed Salah fell in the box moments before Fernandez scored the winning header.

“The referee was really unfair,” an incensed Zico said after the match. “The injustice was obvious. From the start, there was bias. It’s clear this tournament has been fixed.”

Manager Hossam Hassan echoed those sentiments. “It’s all about money. They want Messi to stay in the tournament,” he claimed. “So much happens off the pitch because of interests. What happened was unfair. Egypt deserved to go through—we were the better side.

“Why is there no fairness in sport? I won’t sugar-coat it. We’ve been treated unjustly. I won’t watch another match in this tournament.”

Baseless claims

In truth, Egypt’s outrage likely stemmed from frustration at squandering a game they had in full control with just 11 minutes left. Their defending for all three late goals was chaotic, and they were punished mercilessly by Argentina for failing to manage the game. Romero was unmarked for the first goal, Messi found space amid defensive disarray for the equaliser, and Fernandez was left unchallenged as Egypt pushed forward recklessly in stoppage time.

As for the refereeing, replays showed a foul on Lisandro Martinez before Egypt’s disallowed goal, with Marwan Attia tugging his shirt and stepping on his foot. Meanwhile, Salah’s penalty appeal was weak—he barely protested after minimal contact from Julian Alvarez, who had already won the ball.

Easy to hate

Argentina have long been cast as football’s villains—and not without reason. From Diego Maradona to Diego Simeone and Antonio Rattin, they’ve produced players skilled in football’s darker arts. The current squad isn’t particularly popular either, especially after some joined in a controversial chant against France’s black players following their 2024 Copa America triumph. With fiery figures like Rodrigo De Paul and Romero, they maintain that combative edge. Yet, for many, the team’s image is redeemed by the brilliance of one man—Lionel Messi, who once again delivered in Atlanta.

Egypt’s claim that Messi receives special treatment is understandable. He arguably should have been sent off in the group stage for a reckless challenge on an Algerian player, but when USMNT’s Folarin Balogun had a similar red card overturned following intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, FIFA effectively set a new precedent. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has also been accused of favouring Messi in the past, notably ensuring Inter Miami’s inclusion in last year’s Club World Cup despite them not being MLS champions. Furthermore, Argentina have collected just three yellow cards this tournament despite committing nearly 60 fouls—half the cautions England have received for fewer offences, according to the BBC.

Nevertheless, in the Egypt match, there was no evidence of foul play or bias from officials. Argentina simply dug deep and turned the game around through resilience and quality.

‘We made our supporters suffer’

After the nerve-shredding encounter, Scaloni credited his players’ spirit. “We made our supporters suffer even though we didn’t play badly,” he said. “I’m a coach for moments like these. What we showed today goes beyond qualification—we’d have been knocked out if we hadn’t fought.”

He added: “Even though we’re not in the final yet, the scale of what we achieved tonight compares to some of our greatest moments. This team never gives up. Against Cape Verde, we struggled even more, but even at 0-2 today, I knew we’d get a chance. We played a completely different brand of football.”

True mark of champions

Scaloni’s assessment is hard to dispute. In the knockout rounds, Argentina have shown the grit expected of defending champions—grinding out two late comeback wins, even without hitting their top form. Given their quality, they should have dispatched both Cape Verde and Egypt with ease, but in tournament football, results trump performances.

In the end, Argentina’s unity and fighting spirit saw them prevail once more. While critics will continue to find reasons to dislike them, these stirring comebacks bear every hallmark of true champions.