Portugal players ‘raise Lionel Messi conspiracy theory’ after shock World Cup exit

Portugal players appear to raise a conspiracy theory about Argentina and Lionel Messi after their World Cup dreams were left in tatters on Saturday evening.

Heading into their quarter-final clash against Morocco, the Europeans were the heavy favourites to secure a place in the last four.

However, Morocco produced a brilliant display and Sevilla striker Youssef En Nesyri scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute to stun Portugal and send them packing.

The Portuguese players were crestfallen at the final whistle, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo inconsolable as he made the lonely walk down the tunnel in floods of tears. The 37-year-old’s World Cup dream is now surely over.

After the match, Portugal players blasted FIFA’s decision to let a referee from Argentina take charge of the game. Defender Pepe and midfielder Bruno Fernandes hinted that the sport’s governing body wants Argentina to win the tournament.

Pepe said: “It’s unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our game. After what happened yesterday, with Messi talking, all of Argentina was talking and the referee comes here to blow the whistle.

“I’m not saying that he comes here conditioned...but what did we play the second half? We weren’t allowed to play the second half.

“I can bet that Argentina will be champions.”

Whilst Fernandes added: “We already know how it works … before the game we already knew what we were in for, and what kind of referee we would find.

“I don’t know if they’re going to give the trophy to Argentina. I don’t care, I’m going to say what I think and screw them. It’s very weird that a ref officiates us from a country still in the competition... clearly, they’ve tilted the field against us.

“Unfortunately, in these competitions, where there are no Portuguese referees, there are referees from teams that are still in the competition.”

Alamy

Fans have been reacting to the comments made by Portugal players.

One said: “Portugal loses and the first thing their players speak out is against Argentina. Rent Free.”

Another tweeted: “Why is every one of Portugal’s players making this up against Argentina.”

A third fan added: “It's hilarious to hear Portugal's players blame Messi and Argentina's team. Accept it, you guys were so average yesterday.”

Argentina will take on Croatia for a place in the World Cup final.