‘FIFA = Fixing It For Argentina’ Trends After VAR Drama as Defending Champions Knock Egypt Out of World Cup

For much of Tuesday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash in Atlanta, it looked as though defending champions Argentina were heading for one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

Egypt stunned Lionel Messi’s side with a fearless display, taking a deserved early lead before Messi missed a penalty in the 20th minute.

The Pharaohs believed they had doubled their advantage midway through the second half after another devastating counterattack.

But celebrations were cut short.

Following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out after officials judged that a foul had occurred much earlier in the attacking sequence, with the infringement taking place near the halfway line before Egypt launched the move that eventually ended in the back of the net after a brilliant finish by Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute.

Only minutes later, Egypt did eventually make it 2-0 through a separate attack, seemingly putting one foot in the quarter-finals.

Yet Argentina produced an astonishing turnaround.

Cristian Romero pulled one back before Lionel Messi restored parity late in normal time.

Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández completed the comeback with a dramatic winner to send the reigning champions into the quarter-finals after a remarkable 3-2 victory.

While Argentina celebrated, much of the post-match conversation centred on the disallowed Egyptian goal.

Supporters questioned why VAR intervened to penalise an incident that occurred so far before the finish, arguing the review changed the momentum of the match.

The controversy quickly became one of the biggest talking points on X, with many fans accusing FIFA of favouring the defending champions.

One user mocked FIFA's acronym writing: "Not my invention, but FIFA = Fixing It For Argentina has been blatant."

Another user wrote:

“FIFA would do anything to see Argentina win.”

And several others echoed the same sentiment. See reactions from X below.

More accusations against FIFA continued on social media.

Despite the defeat, Egypt earned widespread praise for pushing the reigning champions to the limit.

Mohamed Salah and his teammates produced one of their finest performances of the tournament and looked on course for a historic victory before Argentina’s late surge changed the script.

Instead, the Albiceleste march on.