Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has accused FIFA of rigging the 2026 World Cup, claiming the governing body wanted Lionel Messi to remain in the tournament, after a series of contentious refereeing and VAR decisions went against his side during Argentina's late comeback in Atlanta on Tuesday. The outburst matters because it levels a serious integrity accusation at football's world governing body during one of the tournament's most dramatic knockout ties.

Argentina, who trailed 2-0 with around 12 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, staged a remarkable turnaround with late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez to win 3-2. Fernandez's 93rd-minute winning header sparked chaos on the touchline, with Egyptian staff confronting referee Francois Letexier, goalkeeping coach Saafan El-Sagheer being shown a red card, and Hassan having to be pulled away from the official. Argentina now progress and are set to meet Switzerland, who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years.