Former Egypt midfielder, Mohamed Aboutreika, has attributed his team’s 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2026 Round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday to FIFA and the referees.
The Pharaohs were in a favorable position, leading the defending champions by two goals midway through the second half, thanks to strikes from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, despite Ziko having a goal disallowed by VAR moments earlier due to a foul in the build-up.
However, the Albiceleste rallied, scoring through Cristian Romeo, Messi – who had missed a penalty in the first half – and Enzo Fernandez in the final 11 minutes to avert a surprising elimination.
Following a knockout victory in the previous round against Australia on penalties, Mohamed Salah and his teammates seemed poised for an unexpected result before the situation deteriorated late in the match.
Nevertheless, Aboutreika believes that FIFA and the referees played a part in his team’s exit, tweeting (translated from Arabic):
“Our goal was not awarded. We’re playing against Messi. We’re playing against the referees. We’re playing against FIFA. Today, Egypt’s right has been violated.”