FIFA accused of favouring Lionel Messi again with major World Cup semi-final decision

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FIFA have been accused of favouring Lionel Messi yet again at the 2026 World Cup after appointing an MLS referee for Argentina’s semi-final clash against England on Wednesday.

Lionel Scaloni’s side have benefitted from a number of controversial decisions throughout the tournament, including Egypt’s disallowed goal in the last-16 and Breel Embolo’s red card for Switzerland in the quarter-final, and conspiracy theorists argue that FIFA have intentionally prioritised Argentina to ensure Messi remains in the competition.

The entirety of England’s squad is based in Europe and so are 20 of Argentina’s 26-man squad, so it was perhaps to be expected that a European referee would be appointed for the fixture as he would have a greater understanding of the players on show.

However, FIFA have instead selected American referee Ismail Elfath, who has already taken charge of three matches at the World Cup so far - Netherlands vs Japan, Uruguay vs Spain and Brazil vs Norway.

Elfath is a 44-year-old MLS referee and he was in charge for the 2023 Leagues Cup final as Messi’s Inter Miami side beat Nashville. He was also the fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final as Argentina beat France on penalties.

Naturally, as a result of his connection to the MLS and Messi, it has once again been suggested that FIFA have favoured Argentina.

One fan on X said: “It’s Messi’s favourite ref from the MLS,” while a second added: “MLS referee Ismail Elfath will officiate England vs Argentina. It's rigged for Leo Messi and Argentina. Pray for England.”

Meanwhile, a prominent social media account posted: “England have been robbed even before the game has started.”

FIFA conspiracy theories at 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has played a huge role at the 2026 World Cup and he has received widespread criticism for a number of incidents that have occurred at the tournament.

Most notably, he received a phone call from U.S. president Donald Trump after Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the AS Monaco striker’s one-game ban was subsequently suspended for a year.

Balogun was allowed to play in USA’s next fixture versus Belgium, while Jarell Quansah, who was shown a red card against Mexico, was banned from playing in England’s next two games at the tournament, despite the pair being sent off for similar offences.

That is far from the only controversy either. Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to play in Portugal’s first match of the tournament despite being sent off in qualifying, FIFA separated the top four seeds in order to create their dream semi-final, and a Skycam appeared to interfere in England’s first goal against Norway.