Argentina VS Egypt VAR Controversy Explained, Why Egypt Says FIFA Match Was 'Rigged' For Messi

Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 should have been remembered for the heroics of Lionel Messi. But instead it has become one of the tournament's biggest controversies, with Egypt accusing officials of "cheating" and "injustice", while fans claimed the match was "rigged" in Argentina's favour.

The controversy centers on two major VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions: first, the multiple yellow cards shown to Egypt, and second, a penalty appeal that was never reviewed. The high-stakes match has since prompted furious reactions from players, sports pundits, and supporters alike.

Why was Egypt's goal ruled out against Argentina?

The biggest flashpoint came just after the hour mark. With Egypt leading 1-0, Mohamed Salah played Mostafa Zico through on goal, and the forward coolly chipped Emiliano Martinez to seemingly double Egypt's advantage. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the referee, François Letexier, disallowed the goal. 

The decision had nothing to do with Zico, but VAR identified an earlier foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez during the same attacking sequence. Replays showed Attia stepping on Martinez's foot while also tugging his shirt before Egypt launched their counterattack.

Was VAR technically correct? Why fans are calling the game 'rigged'

According to FIFA's VAR protocol and IFAB's Laws of the Game, the VAR was technically correct. During games, officials are allowed to review the entire Attacking Possession Phase (APP) before every goal. If the attacking team commits a foul, handball, or offside anywhere in that continuous phase leading to the goal, based on the rule, the goal must be overturned.

So, by the letter of the law, the decision was correct. However, critics argue the foul was too soft and too far removed from the eventual goal to justify intervention. Even Rob Green, the former England goalkeeper, questioned the review on FOX Sports. He criticized the reliance on VAR for cases like this, saying someone stepping on someone's toe "100 yards away" is "not why VAR was brought into the game."

Commentators across several broadcasters similarly suggested Argentina had benefited from an unusually strict interpretation of VAR. Former footballer Rio Ferdinand also chimed in with a lengthy remark on the game, pinpointing the bias. In his words:

"When Argentina go down under a challenge, the whistle seems to come immediately. The officials are quick to spot the foul, quick to stop play and quick to protect them. But when Egypt are on the receiving end of similar incidents, suddenly the game is allowed to continue, and everyone is told to move on. That’s the issue people have tonight. Not the result itself, but the lack of consistency in the decision-making."

Egypt goalscorer Mostafa Zico didn't hide his frustration after the match. He straight up called the game "rigged" before making a sarcastic jab directed at Argentina. He said in his post-match interview:  

"The referee wasn't good. He was unfair... It was a rigged game. ... Congratulations to Argentina on winning the World Cup. They don't need anything else."

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accuses officials of 'cheating' as too many yellow cards raise questions 

Following the defeat, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan launched an extraordinary attack on the officiating. In a press meeting after the match, the coach blatantly stated that the team has been "cheated unfairly today" and that they "suffered injustice." Hassan argued that Egypt were denied not only the disallowed goal but also a late penalty after an alleged shirt pull inside Argentina's box before Enzo Fernandez scored the winner.

According to Hassan, VAR never even reviewed the incident. He slammed the officials for not showing respect or fair play," arguing, "There has not even been a VAR check when we have all seen the image."

Another major complaint from Egyptian supporters was the number of bookings their players received during Argentina's comeback. Critics say the officiating became increasingly one-sided during the closing stages, arguing minor fouls by Egypt were punished with yellow cards while Argentina escaped similar punishment.

Although yellow cards themselves rarely become headline controversies, the overturned goal and ignored penalty appeal made many viewers convinced that it was part of a pattern favoring the defending champions. Despite the arguments, there is no evidence that officials violated the Laws of the Game, as per FIFA's published VAR protocol.

Egypt eventually did score again to lead 2-0, but Argentina responded with three goals in the final 13 minutes through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez to complete a remarkable comeback. While it was another memorable World Cup escape for Argentina, Egypt fans believe controversial officiating denied them the biggest victory in the nation's football history.

What are your thoughts on the VAR controversy at the Argentina vs Egypt match? Let us know.

Image credit: X photos, screengrab

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