Messi Sparks Argentina Comeback Amid VAR Controversy
VAR Row Angers Egypt
- Egypt coach Hossam Hassan protested two VAR decisions after his side's 3-2 World Cup last-16 loss to Argentina
- Argentina trailed by two goals with 11 minutes left before scoring three times for a dramatic win
- Several Bangladeshi film stars reacted publicly to the
Egypt has raised strong objections over two refereeing and VAR decisions after losing 3-2 to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. In the match played Tuesday at Atlanta Stadium, Mostafa Zico's 67th-minute goal was disallowed on VAR review for a foul on Lisandro Martinez, a call Egypt coach Hossam Hassan disputed. He argued that a foul by the same player on Mohamed Salah just before Argentina's winning goal was not reviewed by VAR. Hassan suggested the decisions may have been made to keep Argentina and Messi alive in the tournament, while forward Zico called the referee "unjust." Photo cards of Zico have since flooded social media, alongside widespread online reaction to the Egyptian coach's remarks.
Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute through a Yasser Ibrahim header. Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Messi's first-half penalty along with efforts from Mac Allister and Alvarez. Zico doubled Egypt's lead in the second half, but Argentina staged a stunning turnaround in the final 11 minutes — Romero scored in the 79th minute, Messi equalized in the 83rd, and Enzo Fernandez struck in stoppage time to complete a 3-2 comeback win that sent Argentina into the quarterfinals.
Amid the widespread celebration of Argentina's dramatic win on social media, Bangladeshi film actor Omar Sunny struck a different tone. In a video message, he criticized FIFA while also expressing frustration with the behavior of some Argentina supporters. Describing himself as a lifelong football follower, he alleged that FIFA has treated Iran and Egypt unfairly, calling such conduct troubling and questionable. A self-described Brazil supporter, Sunny said he accepted Brazil's defeat since the team simply played poorly that day, but he disapproved of how some Argentina fans celebrated their victory. He closed by apologizing if his comments had upset anyone, clarifying that his personal admiration for Messi does not mean he endorses all fan behavior.
Several Bangladeshi entertainment figures joined the celebrations around Argentina's win. Actress Pori Moni, undergoing hospital treatment, marked her favorite team's victory and Messi's goal with a series of playful Facebook posts that quickly went viral. Meanwhile, as five-time champions Brazil's exit drew mockery and celebration online, Argentina supporter and actor Chanchal Chowdhury said a true sports fan shows empathy rather than gloating over an opponent's defeat, adding that he felt genuinely saddened by Brazil's loss and did not celebrate it at all.
Intense Reaction on Social Media
After the match, millions of posts centered around '#VAR', '#Messi', and '#Egypt' appeared across various platforms including X, Facebook, and Reddit. Many users claimed that Egypt had been "wronged." Meanwhile, another section believed the VAR decision was made in accordance with the laws of football.
Reaction from International Analysts
Former English footballer Gary Neville, during broadcast analysis, raised allegations of a "double standard" in the VAR decision. On the other hand, Roy Keane said that big teams often benefit from crucial decisions, though he also praised Argentina's comeback.
Where Does the Controversy End?
Due to Egypt's allegations, differing opinions among international experts, and divided reactions on social media, the Argentina-Egypt match has so far become one of the most talked-about VAR controversies of the 2026 World Cup. However, FIFA has not yet issued any official explanation on the matter.
//DBTech/SM/EK//
