Fans have claimed Cape Verde were ‘robbed’ in their World Cup exit to Argentina after multiple harsh decisions went against them overnight.
The island minnows nearly wrote one of the greatest World Cup stories of all time as they forced the champions to extra-time but lost 3-2 after a 111th-minute own goal.
But many felt that the West African players were hard done by after a series of questionable refereeing decisions.
One Lionel Messi free-kick has gone viral after the 39-year-old took a shot when Cape Verde didn’t appear to be ready, with goalkeeper Vozinha scrambling across his line to save it.
The referee, Drew Fischer, had blown the whistle, but the side ranked 67th in the world were not done setting up their wall when he did so.
Meanwhile, in the first half of extra time, Argentina defender Leandro Paredes kicked winger Helio Varela’s leg and caused him to trip on the edge of the box.
Fans say Cape Verde were ‘robbed’ against Argentina due to a string of questionable decisions – including Lionel Messi being able to take a free-kick when the wall wasn’t ready
Meanwhile, Nicolas Tagliafico did not have to sit out to receive medical treatment; the game was paused for him
It looked a nailed-on foul, but nothing was given.
‘How can you not give a foul in this situation? Argentina robbing as usual,’ said one fan on X.
When defender Nicolas Tagliafico got a bloody nose, rather than forcing him to wait on the sidelines to re-enter play, officials simply paused the game.
Typically, players who have required medical treatment are reintroduced into the game at an appropriate juncture.
‘It’s getting ridiculous, the ref even halted the game and waited for him to come back before taking the corner,’ said one viewer on X.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino certainly found the match palpitating, and many felt they detected a subtle preference for Argentina in one interview.
He initially congratulated Argentina and sent the nation a ‘big hug,’ before quickly clarifying that he was ‘neutral’.
‘Thank you, sending a big hug to everyone from Argentina and congratulations,’ he said.
‘Tonight, our hearts are with both teams… even for us neutrals who are rooting for both.’
Argentina will face Egypt in the last 16, pitting two legends of the game together, with both Messi and Mohamed Salah at what one would imagine is their last World Cup.
