Lionel Scaloni, the technical director of the Argentine national team, spoke about what is being rumored about his team receiving refereeing assistance in their match against Egypt in the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentine national team defeated its Egyptian counterpart three goals to two, in the match that brought the two teams together last Tuesday evening at Atlanta Stadium, for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The match between Egypt and Argentina witnessed several controversial refereeing decisions, most of which were in favor of the Tango dancers, as the team obtained a penalty kick in the first half, with a goal for the Pharaohs being canceled in the second half, and a similar one being counted in favor of Messi’s teammates.
Lionel Scaloni pointed out that there are those who do not want Argentina to achieve victories, confirming that the number of those talking about favors increased after his team’s last match against Egypt.
Lionel Scaloni said in statements during the press conference before facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup: "Talking about favoritism towards Argentina? This matter has been going on for a long time, and it is not new. As far as I know, there have always been those who do not want Argentina to win."
The Argentine coach added: "Perhaps the number of these people has increased now after our victory in the last match, but we use this matter to urge the players to respond and present a better performance."
He continued: "With the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and other such technologies, it is difficult for referees to help you.. There is no room for misinterpretation."
He completed: "We have seen all the pictures and video clips, and I think that the rules were applied to the letter during the last match against Egypt."
Lionel Scaloni concluded his statements by saying: "Canceling Egypt's goal was due to a clear foul in favor of our player, Lisandro Martinez.. It was a clear and unambiguous foul, with no room for doubt, so there is no bias in our favor."
The United States of America is hosting the 2026 World Cup, along with Mexico and Canada, with the participation of 48 teams, for the first time in the history of the tournament, during the period from June 11 to July 19.
