‘Rigged’ is the top trend on Twitter after Argentina sealed a place in the 2022 World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Croatia.
Lionel Messi is one step away from completing football as he inspired his side to a comfortable victory over the 2018 finalists.
In the 34th minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty after Julian Alvarez was brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Messi stepped up and dispatched the spot kick in empathic style.
Alvarez then doubled his side’s advantage six minutes before half-time. In the second period, the Manchester City striker sealed the match as he scored his second goal after a mesmerising run from Messi.
After the final whistle, many fans expressed their discontent over the decisions towards Argentina’s favour, with many claiming the World Cup is rigged for Messi to lift the trophy.
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One fan said: “This has to be the most rigged world cup ever. Argentina has got 5 penalties.”
Another tweeted: “5 penalties in 6 games and I’m meant to believe this isn’t rigged.”
A third fan added: “The whole World Cup is rigged for Messi to win it. Funny that some people still don’t believe it.”
Someone else commented: “Rigged! That’s not a penalty!!!! So sick of every referee favouring Argentina / Messi in this tournament. Joke.”
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Portugal players made the headlines after their defeat against Morocco on Saturday, defender Pepe blasted FIFA’s decision to appoint a referee from Argentina for their match.
He 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 can bet that Argentina will be champions.”
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Whilst Bruno Fernandes said: “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.”
Argentina will now prepare for a final against either France or Morocco, the second semi-final is due to take place on Wednesday evening.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Croatia, Football, Football World Cup
Marcus Chan