2026 FIFA World Cup: Messi fans and rivals go head-to-head on social media after questionable fouls

Argentina and Spain went head-to-head for the biggest trophy in world football after reaching the final of the World Cup.

The game saw both teams make some questionable challenges, in the game especially from the Argentine players that 

With Spain going on to win the game 1-0 in extra time and lifting the World Cup after a goalless draw at full time, fans have called out the referee for being lenient on both teams.

Social have been buzzing with a lot of reactions from rival fans and Messi fans who are going back and forth at each other.

The reactions stemmed from several Argentine players committing a lot of fouls, with some being potential red card offences.

The same is also said for some Spanish players who have also made a lot of fouls that should have been called by the referee.

One rival fan posted on X, “Can someone please explain to me how Argentina ALWAYS get away with tackles like this? It's a stone-wall yellow card, but the referee gives nothing.”

Another rival fan commented, “The referee has been Argentina’s most influential player so far. If this is what FIFA calls 'neutral officiating, this World Cup is destined to be remembered as football’s greatest embarrassment.”

A fan replied, “McAllister should have been booked twice already. Instead, he is still clear…”

These comments enraged some Messi fans, who came out to present their own evidence of Spain players fouling the Argentina players.

One fan wrote, “Not even a yellow card given for this,” after Rodri fouled Messi by pulling his shirt.

Another fan responded, “Bro was fouling Messi for the entirety of the half", referring to Spanish midfielder Rodri.

A fan reacted, “They are only pointing out Argentina's and Messi's stories like this, not applicable to Messi when he is the victim.”