Egypt Coach Alleges Referee Bias in 3-2 Loss to Argentina as Messi Sparks Comeback
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 7
Egypt Coach Alleges Referee Bias in 3-2 Loss to Argentina as Messi Sparks Comeback
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 7
Summary
Hossam Hassan said Egypt suffered an "injustice" in its 3-2 World Cup last-16 loss, alleging referee François Letexier and VAR decisions helped keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the tournament.
Two flashpoints drove the complaint: Egypt had a goal disallowed after VAR review, and Letexier did not review an apparent Alexis Mac Allister foul in the buildup to Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time winner.
Messi changed the match after Egypt led 2-0, creating one goal and scoring another as the reigning champions completed the comeback in Atlanta.
Mostafa Zico and reserve goalkeeper Mohamed Alaa echoed the refereeing complaints, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir pointed to Egypt's own late mistakes and Mo Salah urged teammates to move on.